COME TO JESUS WITH CONFIDENT AND EXPECTANT FAITH.
YES, I WILL HEAL YOU.
"It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.
“Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray." (Luke 5: 12 - 16).
Friday 10th January 2025, Friday After Epiphany in the Season of Christmas.
In our Gospel Reading today, (Luke 5: 12 - 16), we learn of a man "full of leprosy", a disease as dreaded in the days of Jesus as cancer is today. But there is one important difference. Cancer does not carry the social stigma of leprosy. The leper was driven out of the society, forbidden to mix with people and not allowed to take part in synagogue worship. Life was hell on earth for the leper.
The leper in today's Gospel by an act of Divine Providence heard about Jesus and His miracles. He believed what he heard. Faith is an active step towards a desired goal. The leper tracked Jesus down. Consider how he won the heart of Jesus:
#1. He prostrated himself. Posture of prayer.
#2. He said to Jesus: "If you wish.." This could mean: I want to be healed badly but I respect your sovereignty.
#3. "You can make me clean." I know all things are possible for God. I believe you possess divine power.
"Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately."
Note the action of Jesus. He touched the leper, followed by these comforting words: “I do will it. Be made clean.” Note Jesus' supreme freedom of action. He touched the leper without fear of contamination or criticism.
What can we learn from this? Whatever problem we may have, whether it is equivalent of being "full of leprosy," approach Jesus with confidence and expectant faith. Jesus will help you. The healing of the leper is a testimony, that is, an example to encourage us to have full faith in Jesus.
The Church honors the Most Holy Name of Jesus in January.
"Great names come and go, but the name of Jesus remains. The devil still hates it, the world still opposes it, but God still blesses it and we can still claim it! “In the name of Jesus” is the key that unlocks the door of prayer and the treasury of God’s grace. It’s the weapon that defeats the enemy and the motivation that compels our sacrifice and service. It’s the name that causes our hearts to rejoice and our lips to sing his praise. (Warren W. Wiersbe).
Click the link below for the Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, Prayer Intentions, etc.
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