Jesus' Invitation to purify oneself

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season  : 6th Week: Sunday*

*Gospel : Mk 1:40-45*

*First Reading : Lv 13:1-2, 44-46*

*SECOND READING - 1 Cor 10:31-11:1*

*Jesus' Invitation to purify oneself*

*1) Lepers Humble Request*

The leper had a genuine request to get rid of his leprosy 

That's why He comes to Jesus and kneels down, which shows his humility 

Then he begged Jesus for the purification, who is the author of everything

*2) Jesus' Gentle invitation to the Leper*

In response to the request of the leper, Jesus gives him a wonderful invitation 

Invitation to become a new person. 

Jesus says, *I do will it. Be made clean.*

It was the wish of Jesus for the leper to become clean 

Jesus' wish is always follows the great result

Accordingly he became clean and became new person  

*3) The Leper was cleansed*

The Gospel says that, leper was totally cleansed because the leper wanted it and Jesus willed it 

When these two things happen in our life, miracles do happen in our life. 

These are the two things which are required for purification

*4) The invitation to all*

The invitation which was given to the leper, Jesus also gives us every day

Jesus says *I do will it. Be made clean.*

So it is an open invitation to all of us. In fact we need the process of cleansing every day 

We are affected with the leprosy of Sin

*5) The sacrament of Reconciliation*

We have a wonderful opportunity to cleanse ourselves, through the sacrament of reconciliation

With this sacrament, we experience the cleansing power of Jesus and we become new being  

Through this sacrament, we can really experience the mercy of the Lord, which makes us new beings 

*6) Season of Lent*

We are very close to the season of Lent 

This is a special season where Jesus gives us a special invitation to all of us, to involve ourselves in the process of purification 

It is also a special season of grace where, special opportunities are given to all of us to get rid off our leprosy of sin 

Let's us use this season to purify ourselves and to become new beings. 

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*