Mt 8:2b
"Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean."
Exile is a common thread through today's readings. In 2 Kgs 25:1-12 Judah is exiled to Babylon and the temple in Jerusalem is destroyed, the most sacred worship place for the Jews. These events are seen as the consequence of sin, after the years of sinful kings leading Judah astray. In verses after this reading hope is seen; there is a chance of God's forgiveness.
In today's gospel (Mt 8:1-4) an exiled leper, viewed as cursed because of sin, appeals to Jesus to be made clean. "And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, 'Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.'" (Mt8 :2) The leper's words are faith filled (you can make me clean), not doubting (can you?). Jesus responds to this faith in simple actions, "He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, 'I will do it. Be made clean.' His leprosy was cleansed immediately." (Mt 8:3)
Jesus is stretching out his hand to you and to me in our times of trouble, concern, or stresses from the separations we have felt during the health crisis. With the faith of a sinner we can confidently place our needs before the Lord, "You can make me clean."
When have I felt exiled, excluded or have seen someone exiled from society due to an imperfection, a need?
Lord Jesus, I know you hear the cry of those who reach out in faith, and you willed to heal many. Please heal our needs brought in faith and help us be your healing hands here on earth. Amen
Get to know our writers! Today's reflection was written by:
Alan Gauzens
Did You Know...
Alan Gauzens is a parishioner at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Dunedin. There, he is a lector and active in men's ministries including the Knights of Columbus, That Man Is You! and Tap Into Discipleship. A 2019 graduate of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute, Alan and his wife Joanne have been married for 40 years and are blessed with 4 children.
