Homily for Thursday of the 24th Week in Ordinary Time

Most people would never show up at a meal uninvited. However, the woman in today's Gospel does just that. She does not act out of selfishness but rather out of deep humility and gratitude. She desires to be near Jesus to offer Him hospitality and love. This uninvited guest demonstrates the hospitality that His host should have extended to Him, but did not. She honors Jesus in response to the forgiving love she has received from Him.

The woman serves as an example for all who want to be faithful followers of Jesus. Like her, we have received abundant gifts and an ongoing flow of God's favor and blessings. Recognizing that we have been extraordinarily graced should inspire us, like the woman, to respond in extraordinary ways.

Her actions illustrate how we should receive God's grace and love Him in return. This love should be expressed not only in our prayers of praise but also through our service to others. We should serve not merely out of obligation, but as an expression of our love for God by helping those in need, just as Jesus did throughout His life and ministry.