Friday after Epiphany

January 7, 2022

Readings (Click here to read full text.)
   Reading I: 1 Jn 5:5-13
   Responsorial Psalm: Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20
   Gospel: Lk 5:12-16

Lord, If You Wish, You Can Make Me Clean

Our gospel reading today is one of the shortest. It's only four verses long. This presents us with Jesus healing a man with leprosy. But let us focus our reflection on the leprose person who was outcasted by the Jews. Coming near him, more so touching or being touched by him, would make others impure or, worse, they would catch the disease and be outcasted as well. We could just imagine the people's reactions when this man approached Jesus, prostrated himself before Him and pleaded with Him to cleanse him of his leprosy, placing himself at the will of Jesus. He said, "Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean." He was so focused on Jesus that he did not mind what others would say. He did what he needed to do; he earnestly prayed. Jesus did not mind either. And of course, without hesitation, Jesus cured and made him clean. Jesus said to him, "I do will it." Be made clean." As the news of this healing spread, many came to Jesus to listen to Him and to be healed.

Today, let us come to Jesus prostrate ourselves before Him, and plead with Him to heal us. Let us ask ourselves, "What is it in me that needs healing?" What is it in me that needs cleansing? Let us bring our disease to Jesus, who wills our healing, and He will heal us without hesitation.

Fr. Joel R. Lasutaz, SSS

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