Saint Paul reminds the Corinthians of the Gospel he received and handed on: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and was raised on the third day. The Christian faith stands upon this apostolic proclamation. The Gospel then gives us the striking encounter between Jesus and the sinful woman who enters Simon the Pharisee’s house. Her tears, humility, and love reveal that she has understood something Simon has not: she knows herself to be dependent upon mercy. The Resurrection proclaimed by Paul is therefore not merely a doctrine about the future; it reveals the power of Christ’s saving mercy already active in sinners who turn to him.

The Catechism teaches that faith is our personal adherence to God who reveals himself and our free assent to the whole truth revealed by him (CCC 142–184). The Resurrection is the central event of Christian faith and confirms everything Christ did and taught (CCC 638–658). The woman’s encounter with Jesus also illuminates the sacrament of Penance. Christ forgives sins, and the Church continues his ministry of reconciliation through the sacrament entrusted to the apostles (CCC 1441–1449). Her tears are not a payment for forgiveness; they are the fruit of a heart awakened by grace.

Psalm 118 celebrates the Lord’s mercy and victory. Psalm 51 gives voice to genuine repentance, while Luke 15:11–32 presents the Father who receives the returning sinner. Romans 5:6–11 shows that Christ died for sinners, and Ephesians 2:4–10 emphasizes salvation as God’s gracious gift. The Eucharist continually returns the Church to the Paschal Mystery proclaimed by Paul. Today we should ask whether we approach Christ like Simon, confident in our own judgment, or like the woman, aware of our need for mercy. The sacrament of Reconciliation teaches us to come without fear, trusting that Christ’s mercy is greater than our sin.