Sunday, February 12, 2012
Leviticus 13: 1-2, 44-46 1Cor. 10:31-11:1 Mark 1:40-45
The first reading from Leviticus and the Gospel story both speak of lepers. These readings also show a clear distinction between the Old Testament and the New Testament teachings. The Old Testament culture and laws segregated and shunned people who had leprosy. The same could be said about the way public sinners were treated.
In the New Testament, we see a leper coming to Jesus, kneeling and begging him for a cure with the words: “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
What great faith in Jesus’ power and mercy and what great respect for Jesus, the healer! The story continues with Jesus being moved with compassion, stretching out his hand, touching the man and saying in response: I do will it. Be made clean.” The man was immediately healed. The man went away and began to publicize what Jesus had done for him. He was so excited and so grateful to be able to return to his loved ones. Clearly the word spread and Jesus was sought after more than ever, as a merciful healer and a great teacher.
Jesus not only healed bodies but minds and hearts as well. He hung out with the poor. He ate with the sinners. He excluded no one.
We can ask ourselves if we search out Jesus in our need. We may not have leprosy, but it could be cancer, heart trouble, weakness, depression, family problems, addiction or other emotional trauma. We can learn from this leper how to ask God for something we need. We ask with hope and faith but also knowing who is really in charge. We ask with humility and with the assurance that God is with us and loves us, however our prayer is answered. I once heard that when answering us, God sometimes says “yes,” sometimes “no” and sometimes “not yet.” Are we ready for any of those answers to prayer? We can be sure that Jesus will reach out and touch us one way or another. It could be through a friend, a family member, a doctor or nurse, a counselor, a chaplain or simply in the depths of our own being.
In the second reading, Paul encourages us to do everything for the glory of God
and to be imitators of Jesus Christ. As health care workers in St. Mary’s Health System our mission is to continue the ministry of Jesus in the spirit of St. Marguerite d’Youville by providing preventive, curative, and supportive services with compassion and respect for everyone. We have an example of Jesus’ compassion and love in the Gospel story today. May we keep as our goal to imitate him in that way.
Sr. Suzanne Beaudoin, SSCh
Director of Pastoral Care
Tags: 1 cor, february 12, first reading, Gospel, gospel story, jesus the healer, leviticus 13, mark 1, old testament, sixth sunday, sixth sunday of ordinary time, Sunday, sunday gospel, Sunday Scribes
