About Gratitude and Listening to Jesus
Reflections on the readings for the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (February 11, 2018): LV 13:1-2, 44-46; PS 32:1-2, 5, 11; 1 COR 10:31-11:1, 22-23; MK 1:40-45
MISSIO offers “Preaching Mission,” as a homily help, providing connections to mission from the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days.
In today’s Gospel reading, a leper believes Jesus can cure him – if He chooses to do so. The man has been sick and unwanted for so long that he is not sure that Christ wants to bother with him, to heal his sores and his suffering. But our Lord reassures the leper and does the unthinkable – He touches the man considered unclean. And instantly the leper is healed. Jesus asks only one thing of the man: that he not tell others what has happened. But the man was so happy, so grateful he just could not stop himself. “The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to Him from everywhere” (Mark 1:45).
Even though our Lord wanted to preach His message of hope, He preferred to take a more measured approach to the way He shared His truth and power. Yet Jesus certainly understood the man’s reaction. To be transformed from one who is considered untouchable by loved ones, neighbors, and strangers into an ordinary member of the community must have been overwhelming. Christ appreciates our gratitude – and He also wants us to hear and heed everything He tells us.
