These reflections are a result of more than 40 years of ministry as a Roman Catholic priest. Most of these years I spent in the Diocese of Charlotte which covers Western North Carolina. Now I am retired, and live in Medellín, Colombia where I continue to serve as a priest in the Archdiocese of Medellín.

Memorial of Saint Cornelius, pope and martyr & Saint Cyprian, bishop and martyr, September 16

Now there was a sinful woman in the city
who learned that he was at table in the house of Simon, the Pharisee.
Bringing an alabaster flask of ointment,
she stood behind him at his feet weeping
and began to bathe his feet with her tears.
Then she wiped them with her hair,
kissed them, and anointed them with the ointment.
So I tell you, Simon, her many sins have been forgiven;
hence, she has shown great love.
But the one to whom little is forgiven, loves little.”
He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.” (Lk 7:35-50)

Jesus was accused of being “soft on sinners.” Perhaps he is. “Your sins are forgiven. Go in peace.” Cornelius and Cyprian were both martyred and are celebrated together.