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Manila Bulletin devider Opinion devider You can make me clean

You can make me clean

Published Jun 29, 2023 04:03 pm

REFLECTIONS TODAY


In biblical times, lepers were isolated out of fear of physical and ritual contagion. Though less contagious than the viral diseases like Covid-19, leprosy was as much dreaded by the community. In the Gospel, a leper breaks the imposed “social distancing” to approach Jesus and to ask for healing. Out of compassion, Jesus stretches out his hand, touches the leper, and cleanses him immediately. Jesus always “wishes” or “chooses” to attend to people’s desperate needs, even if he is criticized for allowing the “unclean” to touch him. Because of his holiness, Jesus is not “contaminated” by uncleanness of leprosy, both physically and ritually. How humble are we to recognize our need for healing? How profound is our faith to believe in the healing power of Jesus? How grateful are we to proclaim to others the healing power of Jesus?

Gospel • Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” *Source: “365 Days with the Lord 2023,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail:*[*[email protected]*](mailto:[email protected])*; Website:*[*http://www.stpauls.ph*](http://www.stpauls.ph)*.*

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