“The Healing of the Leper”
The Gospel of the day speaks about the healing of a leper. In this healing process, there are a few important things which the leper did that have deep relevance to our own lives.
First, we see the initiative taken by the leper to approach Jesus. This shows that he deeply desired healing and believed that Jesus had the power to heal him.
Second, the leper paid homage to Jesus. This was a public acknowledgement of Jesus’ divine and healing power. In doing so, he recognized the greatness and divinity of Jesus.
Third, the leper made a humble request. He did not demand anything from Jesus but humbly begged, saying, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” In this, he completely surrendered himself to the will of God.
The Gospel makes it clear that because the leper took the initiative and approached Jesus with great humility, he was healed. Jesus blessed him with good health and his leprosy disappeared.
This is a powerful lesson for us. We are all lepers in one way or another — affected by the leprosy of sin, greed, revenge, selfishness, ego, self-glory, and many other weaknesses. We all need healing from Jesus.
The first step must come from us. Like the leper, we must take the initiative to approach Jesus with humility, faith, and total dependence on God’s will. The leper is a great model for us in the process of change and healing.
Am I ready to follow these steps in changing my life?
Reflection
Khrist Premalaya Regional Theologate