The beauty of Human effort and the Divine Touch

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 12th Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:1-4*

*First Reading : Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22*

*The beauty of Human effort and the Divine Touch*

*1) The cleansing of the Leper*

The Gospel of the day, speaks about the cleansing of the Leper

In this scene we can reflect two important aspects 

The human effort 

The Divine Touch 

*2) The Efforts by the Leper*

The leper might have tried from many years to get rid of his leprosy. In spite of his efforts, he was helpless 

But one must appreciate the continuous efforts by the leper, without losing hope. 

He had a hope that one day he would be free from His sickness. That made him to continue His efforts 

*3) Jesus Touch*

The Touch of Jesus is always characterised by divine power. So it is a divine touch 

Such a divine touch, cured the leper from his leprosy and he was made well 

So Jesus' touch is very special and very powerful

*4) The Immediate effect of Jesus curing power*

During the time of Jesus, leprosy had no medicine and cure 

Today, after 2000 years, we have advanced in many fields and also in medical field 

Such an advancement had found some medicine for the leprosy and it can be cured 

But the amount of time it takes to cure the sickness may be years together

In this context, Jesus' Divine Cure is very quick and immediate

When Jesus comes into our life, His touch makes us to get rid of all our sicknesses, sinful attitudes and negativity in our life 

The contrast of Long time taken by the Human side to cure the Sickness and the Quickness and immediacy in curing the leprosy by Jesus, something special to be noticed here

*5) For Change Human efforts are must*

This is the another important point to note here

All the changes comes in the life of the leper only because  he worked for it and Jesus blessed it 

Unless he begins to work for it, nothing happened in his life 

So need to work for it for any change 

*6) Human efforts are first*

The leper tried first along with the divine assistance. Such efforts were blessed by Jesus, in answering his prayers and curing him from his sickness

So unless we try for some changes in life, nothing happens. All those who try, they definitely experience some kind of change for the better, with the providence of God

What about my efforts in my life, to bring a little change?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*