I notice in this passage that Jesus doesn't ask which of the two "should" be more grateful. It is a simple fact of human existence that our response tends to be given in proportion to the amount we are given (or forgiven). But I don't believe God ranks sins with some being greater and some being lesser - sin it sin. Yes, some sin has a profound effect on the lives of others while other sin may not do so - or at least not in an obvious way. But all sin, "large" or "small", puts us out of right relationship with God. I think we lose sight of that, I know that I do at times. God doesn't ask me to be better than you; God asks me to be my best self.
Jesus said, "If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal." But I know that if I truly understand the sin I commit, then I must understand that the forgiveness God offers is not "minimal." I stand unholy before a holy God - a God of love and grace who forgives all my sin. How could I ever regard this as "minimal"?
So if it isn't minimal, then why don't I respond with extravagance or exuberant gratefulness? If Jesus were to come to Jacksonville tomorrow, would I respond like the woman in this story? Could I? Could you?
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