On the Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C, the Gospel tells of the sinful woman who anoints Jesus in the house of a Pharisee. In The Mass Readings Explained, Dr. Brant Pitre walks through this Sunday's readings and unfolds the deep link between being forgiven and loving much—along with the tradition's question of who this woman was.
In Luke 7:36–8:3, the woman washes Jesus' feet with her tears, and he declares, “Her many sins have been forgiven; hence she has shown great love.” The first reading gives Nathan's confrontation of David, who repents, “I have sinned against the Lord” (2 Samuel 12); Psalm 32 blesses the one whose sin is forgiven; and in Galatians 2 St. Paul teaches that we are justified by faith in Christ.
GOSPEL, FIRST READING & PSALM TRANSCRIPT (Subscribe or Login for Full Transcript):
The 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time for Year C continues the Church's journey through the Gospel of Luke, sometimes called the most beautiful book ever written. Again, we see that beauty here in the mercy of Jesus and the famous story of Jesus and the sinful woman in Luke 7:36, all the way down to 83. So, it's a long gospel for today, but it's an important one, so we're going to take a look at it and see if we can unpack it and also look at how the tradition has answered the question: who was this sinful woman?
SECOND READING TRANSCRIPT (SubscribeorLoginfor Full Transcript):
The 11th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C, continues the Church's proclamation of St. Paul's letter to the Galatians. This week, we turn to an extremely consequential passage in Galatians involving justification by faith apart from works of the law. Let's look at this passage together. In Galatians 2:16, 19-21, we read these words...
The Readings for the Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C
First Reading: 2 Samuel 12:7–10, 13
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 7, 11
Second Reading: Galatians 2:16, 19–21
Gospel: Luke 7:36–8:3
Key passages & sources examined: The sinful woman anointing Jesus; “her sins are forgiven, for she loved much”; the tradition's question of her identity; Nathan and David's repentance; justification by faith in Galatians 2.
What are the Mass readings for the Eleventh Sunday of Ordinary Time, Year C? 2 Samuel 12:7–10, 13; Psalm 32:1–2, 5, 7, 11; Galatians 2:16, 19–21; and the Gospel, Luke 7:36–8:3.
What happens in the Gospel? A repentant sinful woman anoints Jesus' feet with her tears; he forgives her sins and praises her great love.
What does “her sins are forgiven, for she loved much” mean? Dr. Pitre draws out how great love flows from being forgiven much—gratitude as the fruit of mercy.
How does David's story connect? Confronted by Nathan, David repents and is forgiven (2 Samuel 12), another image of God's mercy toward the sinner.
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I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
I told him I do not know what I would do without all the knowledge I have gained from this program. Period. Dr. Grant Pitre is phenomenal and an excellent teacher.
This video series helped me to more deeply enter into Mass. Understanding the biblical and historical context brings me attention back to the altar, even when the kiddos are at their most distracting!
This supported by doctrine study illuminates a personal struggle and provides the necessary coping mechanisms to overcome adversity. Doctor Brant has an exquisite methodology of presenting the material in an informative manner that keeps you engaged in the discussion.
Love this subscription. Dr Pitre’s explanations are so understandable and helpful. Michael in customer service is always available and quickly answers any questions I might have.
