Fearless

Today’s Gospel Text: When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; 2 and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." 3 And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, "I will; be clean." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, "See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people." Matt 8:1-4

Reflection: What if someone were to come to you with a request like that of the leper:

"Lord, if you will, you can make me clean." (vs.2b)

Where would we look to and how would we have treated the leper.

“Go your way, have you not found anyone” or “what do you think, am I god that you should come to me”

Some would even run away from him seeing him approach them or may even scold him for being bold enough to approach them.

It also depends on ones faith too and the response could be according; hence some would take him to a leprosarium or a medical practitioner or refer them to some institutions that are involved in the care of the leprous.

There are some who may consult a friend or some expert to handle the situation.

How many of us would at least get into a conversation started with the leper and ask him his needs and at least pray in their hearts for the man and see how best they can be God’s instrument to him.

Though we cannot be like Jesus who makes him clean but we can definitely act more Christian towards the leper.

But our many fears could prevent us from doing so and the contagious nature of the disease can add to the fears and can be a big discouragement to reach out to the leprous.

Jesus not only heals him but does so by stretching out his hand and by touching him.

If we are to touch hearts and overcome the fear of leprous then we need a faith that trusts in the mighty power of God to heal and preserve our lives.

It is a faith that ever increases from ones growing relationship with God and nurtured by the avenues that he has offered through the church.

Faith, hope and charity destroy all fears and anxieties and sets us secure upon the rock, in whom we place it; Jesus Christ.  

Prayer: Father, make me  your instrument too, of love and charity as I hope in your might.

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