First Reading - 1 John 5:5-13
Gospel - Luke 5:12-16
In the First Reading, St. John reminds us of the victory that comes through faith. He says, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the Son of God overcomes the world.” This victory isn’t about worldly power or success; it’s about overcoming the forces of sin, fear, and despair that try to separate us from God. John tells us that the testimony of God is this: that through Jesus, we are offered eternal life. This life is a gift, not something we earn, but something we receive through faith in Christ.
In the Gospel, we see this faith in action. A man with leprosy approaches Jesus, a man who would have been considered unclean, untouchable, and excluded from society. In his suffering and isolation, he kneels before Jesus and says, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” Notice the humility and faith in his words. He believes in Jesus’ power to heal but doesn’t demand it. He trusts in Jesus’ will and mercy.
What happens next is remarkable. Jesus stretches out His hand, touches the man, and says, “I do choose. Be made clean.” The physical healing is immediate, but the deeper message lies in Jesus’ touch. By touching the man, Jesus restores not just his health but his dignity and place in the community. The man who was once isolated is now welcomed back into society.
This act of healing reminds us that Jesus’ mission is not just to cure illnesses but to restore people to wholeness — physically, spiritually, and socially. His healing brings people back into relationship with God and with one another.
But notice what Jesus does after the healing. He withdraws to a quiet place to pray. This shows us that Jesus’ power to heal and restore comes from His deep connection with the Father. His moments of prayer are moments of renewal and strength. It’s a reminder to us that our faith, too, must be nurtured through prayer and a close relationship with God.
Dear friends, these readings invite us to reflect on our own faith. Are we willing to approach Jesus with the same trust and humility as the man with leprosy? Do we believe that Jesus has the power to heal and restore not only our bodies but our hearts and relationships? And are we willing to be agents of that same healing for others?
In our world today, many people feel isolated, broken, or unworthy. Some carry invisible wounds — emotional, mental, or spiritual — that need healing. As followers of Christ, we are called to reach out, to offer compassion, and to bring people back into community. Just as Jesus touched the untouchable, we are called to embrace those who feel forgotten or cast aside.
This healing work begins with faith. Faith that God’s love is greater than any burden we carry. Faith that Jesus walks with us in our struggles. And faith that through Him, we are made whole.
Let us take courage from today’s readings. Let us approach Jesus with trust, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” And let us hear His response in our hearts: “I do choose. Be made clean.” May we live out this faith in our words and actions, bringing healing, hope, and restoration to all those we encounter.
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