A Daily Gospel Reflection
by Fr. Jim Livingstone
Thursday, January 14, 2021
On one occasion he was approached by a leper, who knelt before him and begged for help. “If only you will,” said the man, “you can make me clean.” Jesus was moved to anger; he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will; be clean.’ The leprosy left him immediately, and he was clean. Then he dismissed him with this stern warning: “See that you tell nobody, but go and show yourself to the priest, and make the offering laid down by Moses for your cleansing; that will certify the cure,” But the man went away and made the whole story public, spreading it far and wide, until Jesus could no longer show himself in any town. He stayed outside in remote places; yet people kept coming to him from all quarters.
The leper did something remarkable. He approached Jesus with confidence, humility, and expectant faith knowing that Jesus could and would heal him. Lepers normally would be stoned and chased away if they tried to approach a rabbi. Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or coming near lepers for fear of incurring infection.
Jesus not only granted the man’s request but also showed him love and compassion and the tenderness of God by his touch.
Meditation: How do you approach those who are difficult to love, or who are avoided by others because they are deformed or have some defect? Do you show them kindness, do you offer them mercy and help as Jesus did? The Lord is always ready to show us his mercy and free us from whatever makes us unclean, unapproachable, or unloving towards others.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, inflame our hearts with your love and make us clean and whole in body, mind, and spirit. May we never doubt your love or cease to tell others of your mercy and compassion. Amen.
