The initiative of the Leper in the Healing Process

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season: Twelfth Week : Friday*

*Gospel : Mt 8:1-4*

*First Reading : 2 Kgs 25:1-12*

*The initiative of the Leper in the Healing Process*

*1) Jesus Healing the Leper*

The Gospel of the day speaks about the healing of a leper 

In this healing process there are few things which the leper did, which have deep relevance to our life. 

*A) The initiative of the Leper*

We see, first of all the initiative taken by the leper to approach Jesus 

It shows that He needed a healing from Jesus and at the same time he believed that Jesus will heal his leprosy

*B) The homage by the Leper*

Homage means special honour or respect shown publicly.

It is public acknowledgement of Jesus' healing power

By this the leper is acknowledging the divine and healing power of Jesus, the divinity of Jesus and greatness of Jesus 

*C) A humble request by the leper*

The leper who approached Jesus shows a great amount of humility 

He does not demand anything from Jesus, but humbly begs for healing 

He says *Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean*

He we see that the leper surrenders totally to the will of God

*2) The Leper is healed*

The Gospel makes it very clear that the leper who took the initiative and who approached Jesus with great humility was healed by Jesus 

Jesus blessed him with good health and His leprosy was healed 

This is a great lesson for us to reflect about the attitude of leper and the healing power of Jesus 

*3) When we take one step God takes Ten Steps*

*Take one step towards Him – He takes two towards you, even when all else fails, God supports you*

*Take one step towards God, HE will help you take the next*

*When we take one step toward to God, he takes seven steps toward us.* - Indian Proverb

These few sayings tell us, how important that we take initiative in our life, especially in changing our life 

*4) We are all Lepers*

In one way or the other we are all lepers 

We are all affected with the leprosy of sin, greed, revenge, selfishness, weakness, self glory, ego and other things as well 

We need a healing from Jesus which can help us in changing our life. 

But the first step we need to take 

Initiative must come from us. Then it becomes easy and changing of life becomes a reality 

*5) Am I ready to Follow the Leper?*

The leper is a great model for us to change our life 

The attitude, humility, simplicity, total dependence on God and accepting the will of God are the major things in the healing process

Am I ready to follow these steps in changing my life

*May Jesus our Lord and Master help us to change our life*

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*