Psalm 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-207
Jesus' Healing Power
Brethren, from Jesus' Epiphany, we have been reading a series of Gospels pointing us to the mission of Jesus, and yesterday we saw him declaring his mission: mission to the lowly of society. Today's Gospel presents to us Jesus healing the leper, which shows that really Jesus had come for the lowly ones and the abandoned of society. Lepers were isolated and were not allowed to associate with anybody, and even worse, they were not allowed to reach near the Rabbi. Jesus, however, showed everyone that he could touch and heal the leper, something that was against the law. He shows his love and compassion for these people.
This is what we are invited to do, brothers and sisters. We are to act like Christ, to go to the abandoned and marginalised, the poor and those who have nobody to relate with, the hungry and all the needy, and show them our love as Jesus did and still does. Remember that whatever we do to the least of the brethren, we do it to Jesus (Matthew 25.40), and we will richly be rewarded. Let us follow in the footsteps of Jesus and participate in his mission.
How can we be witnesses to Jesus and his mission? The first reading gives us three witnesses, which even Jesus himself underwent as he carried out his mission. These witnesses are water, Spirit and blood. Water means that Jesus came historically by his baptism, to which the Spirit descended, and by the blood of his cross. It makes better sense to suppose that Jesus has come to believers sacramentally in the waters of their baptism in the Spirit and by the blood of the Eucharist. The three witnesses are then to be understood as the water of baptism, the Blood of the Eucharist and the Spirit given by both sacraments.
Brethren, through baptism, we are configured to Christ in his death and resurrection. When we receive the Spirit at confirmation, we are called to be witnesses to the Gospel and to proclaim it. Through the Eucharist, we publicly declare that we are ready to die and shed blood for the sake of the Gospel and for our salvation, in the footsteps of Jesus. Therefore, brethren, let us reach out to everyone as witnesses and help them heal their leprosy. It is our mission as baptised Christians.
However, brethren, as we go out to heal the leprosy of others, we also need to be healed of our leprosy. We may not have physical leprosy but spiritual leprosy, which Jesus wants to heal us. Which leprosy are you presenting to Jesus for healing today? Are you ready to ask Jesus for healing?
Reflect today on Jesus' healing power. Are you asking for healing from Jesus, and are you aiding Jesus in healing others' leprosy? Pray for the Holy Spirit to become an authentic witness to the Gospel and Jesus' mission.
Let us Pray
Jesus, I am like this leper. I come to you in great need, for I cannot heal myself. I come to you with trust. You know what’s on my heart and I believe that, if you wish, you can make me clean and make me more like you. Let your healing take root in my soul. I quiet my soul to receive your response; it may come with words, or it may not. But I believe it always comes with grace. Heal me and make me your instrument for others. Amen.
Be blessed
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