Mark 1: 40-45
A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.
After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved (http://www.usccb.org/bible/approved-translations)
You Need Me?
Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said: “I will do it. Be cured!” [Mark 1: 41]
We can only imagine what this fearful, smelly outcast of a leper experienced as he experienced the sudden quickening of his flesh, the energy and new life that flooded his body and spirit. Of course he couldn’t keep quiet. No need to hide the good news—his healthy, happy body and renewed spirit said it all!
So what happens when Jesus touches my heart in some small but clear way—how do I respond? Do I want to run and hide because I am not “good enough, smart enough, holy enough, human enough”? Or can I accept the reality that, for some strange reason, the Lord really needs my heart and hands and voice to make a difference . . . for the gospel!
—The Jesuit Prayer Team
Prayer
For some strange reason, Lord, you depend on me.
What possible need could you have for my shoulder?
Why do you lean on me? Yet you do just that.
I am grateful. It is a challenge and a trust,
an inspiration and a call to character.
If you are willing to depend upon me,
weak and clumsy as I am,
I am eager not to fail you.
Lean on me, dear Lord.
At least pretend to find me a help.
May your sweet pretense
make me worthy of your very real trust.
—Fr. Daniel A. Lord, SJ
Please share the Good Word with your friends!
