Cure Of A Leper

 Mark 1: 40-45

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

40 And a leper[ came to him, imploring him, and kneeling said to him, “If you will, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him and said to him, “I will; be clean.” 42 And immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 And Jesus sternly charged him and sent him away at once, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, for a proof to them.” 45 But he went out and began to talk freely about it, and to spread the news, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter a town, but was out in desolate places, and people were coming to him from every quarter.

This story appears several times in the course of the liturgical year for it is a basic need, ask, and receive story.  Is it the faith of the blind man, his forthrightness, his courage,  his desperation or maybe his refreshing naivety that moves Jesus to cure him? Maybe a combination of all, but a formula that worked.   Where do I stand in my approach to the prayer of petition?  Do I ask, but realoly not believe I'll be answered? What can I learn about my relationship with Jesus, my own faith, my own courage from this story?  Perhaps its simplicity is the most helpful lesson, but at any rate, let's take some time with it today and see what Jesus teaches us.

Bro. Rene