"I Do Will It. Be Made Clean"!
"I Do Will It. Be Made Clean"! ...Fr. Patrick Etuk, MSP ...
In today's Gospel, we hear about the time when Jesus encountered a man suffering from leprosy. Leprosy was not only a physical ailment but also a symbol of being an outcast from society, often associated with sinners or those living in ways that society deemed unacceptable. Despite the man's isolation, Jesus showed him compassion and healed him.
Jesus didn't just see the man's condition; he felt his pain deeply. With a touch filled with love and power, Jesus healed the man, showing that God cares for those who are suffering and isolated. In Mark 1:41, Jesus declares, "I do will it. Be made clean," revealing his willingness and ability to heal.
However, Jesus instructed the man to keep his healing private and instead present himself to the priest as prescribed by Moses. This act reminds us that Jesus didn't seek personal glory but directed all honor to God.
The story also teaches us that doing good may sometimes bring challenges. The man's excitement led him to tell everyone about his healing, making it difficult for Jesus to move openly in towns due to societal norms. Yet, Jesus never hesitated to help others, even at the risk of facing rejection or misunderstanding.
Like Jesus, we're called to imitate his example of selfless love and compassion. Paul urges us in 1 Corinthians 11:1 to imitate Christ, showing mercy and love to others regardless of the consequences. We're challenged to prioritize the needs of others over our own comfort, echoing Jesus' sacrifice for humanity.
Inspired by Jesus' love, may we become instruments of healing and comfort in a hurting world. Let's extend mercy and love to everyone we encounter, reflecting God's glory through our actions and words.
Seven-Day Journey of Reflections: Beacons of Light in a Dark World
Day 1: Acknowledge the Suffering Around Us
Scripture: Psalm 34:18 - "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
Reflection
In our busy lives, it's easy to overlook the suffering of others. Take time today to pause and acknowledge the pain and struggles of those around you. Listen to their stories, offer a comforting presence, and pray for them. By being attentive to the needs of others, we open our hearts to experience the compassion of Jesus.
Prayer: Lord, help us to see and respond to the suffering around us with compassion and empathy. Amen.
Day 2: Extend a Helping Hand
Scripture: Galatians 6:2 - "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."
Reflection
Jesus often showed compassion through acts of service and kindness. Today, look for opportunities to extend a helping hand to someone in need. It could be a simple gesture like offering assistance to a neighbor, volunteering at a local shelter, or reaching out to someone who is lonely. By serving others, we become instruments of Jesus' compassion in the world.
Prayer: Lord, guide us to be channels of your love and mercy as we reach out to those in need. Amen.
Day 3: Speak Words of Encouragement
Scripture: Proverbs 16:24 - "Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones."
Reflection
Words have the power to uplift and heal. Today, make an effort to speak words of encouragement and kindness to those around you. Offer a word of affirmation to a friend, lend a listening ear to someone who is struggling, or share words of hope with those in despair. By speaking life-giving words, we reflect the compassion of Jesus to others.
Prayer: Lord, may our words bring healing and hope to those who are hurting. Help us to speak with grace and compassion. Amen.
Day 4: Practice Forgiveness
Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Reflection
Forgiveness is central to experiencing and extending the compassion of Jesus. Reflect on any resentments or grudges you may be holding onto, and choose to forgive those who have wronged you. Extend grace and mercy just as Christ has forgiven us. By practicing forgiveness, we embody the compassion of Jesus in our relationships.
Prayer: Lord, grant us the strength to forgive as you have forgiven us. Help us to let go of bitterness and extend compassion to others. Amen.
Day 5: Share Your Blessings
Scripture: Luke 6:38 - "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
Reflection
Generosity is a hallmark of Jesus' compassion. Today, look for opportunities to share your blessings with others. It could be through donating to a charity, offering assistance to someone in need, or simply sharing your time and resources with those less fortunate. By giving generously, we emulate the compassion of Jesus in our actions.
Prayer: Lord, may we be generous stewards of the blessings you have entrusted to us. Help us to share with others as an expression of your boundless compassion. Amen.
Day 6: Practice Empathy
Scripture: Romans 12:15 - "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn."
Reflection
Empathy allows us to connect with others on a deep level and share in their joys and sorrows. Today, put yourself in someone else's shoes and seek to understand their perspective and emotions. Show genuine compassion by rejoicing with those who are celebrating and mourning with those who are grieving. By practicing empathy, we embody the compassion of Jesus in our relationships.
Prayer: Lord, teach us to empathize with others and share in their joys and sorrows. Help us to love one another with genuine compassion. Amen.
Day 7: Be a Beacon of Light
Scripture: Matthew 5:16 - "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Reflection
As followers of Jesus, we are called to be beacons of light in a dark world. Today, let your actions reflect the compassion of Jesus to those around you. Show kindness, offer hope, and spread love wherever you go. By being a source of light and love, we point others to the compassion of Jesus Christ.
Prayer: Lord, may our lives shine with your compassion and grace. Use us as instruments of your love to bring healing and hope to the world. Amen.