Jesus' Approach : “I do will it. Be made clean."

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Christmas Season: Friday after Epiphany*

*Gospel : Lk 5:12-16*

*First Reading : 1 Jn 5:5-13*

*Responsorial Psalm : Ps 147:12-13, 14-15, 19-20*

*Jesus' Approach : “I do will it. Be made clean."*

*1) The Willingness of Jesus to Heal*

The leper, who was considered an outcast in society, approaches Jesus with faith, saying:

*If you will, you can make me clean*

Jesus’ response, *I do will it,* reveals His deep compassion and readiness to heal. 

This shows that God’s will is not distant or indifferent but actively desires our healing and restoration.

*2) Jesus’ Power to Cleanse*

The leper’s disease symbolizes sin and impurity. 

In biblical times, leprosy made someone ritually unclean and excluded them from worship and society.

Jesus' touch cleanses the leper immediately, reminding us that no sin is too great for God's mercy.

When we feel unworthy or burdened by sin, we can trust in His power to cleanse us through the sacraments, especially Confession.

*3) Jesus Restores Dignity of the Leper*

By healing the leper, Jesus restores him to his community and dignity. 

So far he was kept out of the community. But now the leper can once again participate in society and worship.

Jesus’ healing goes beyond physical restoration. He restored the leper as the beloved Child of God.

*4) Cleansing as a Symbol of Forgiveness of Sins*

In the Gospels, physical healing often symbolizes spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins. 

The leper’s cleansing points to the deeper cleansing that Jesus offers through His death and resurrection, that is the forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God.

In saying "Be made clean," Jesus offers us freedom from the stain of sin. 

This phrase reminds us of the sacrament of Confession, where we experience Jesus’ cleansing power, when priest says *Your Sins are forgiven. Go in peace*

*5) The Power of Jesus' Word*

When Jesus says, *Be made clean,* His word has immediate effect. 

The leper is cleansed instantly, demonstrating that Jesus' word carries divine authority. 

Jesus' word is life-giving and transformative. Just as God’s word brought creation into existence, Jesus’ word brings new life and spiritual renewal. 

His word has the power to cleanse us from sin and make us whole.

*6) An Invitation to Transformation*

The command *Be made clean* is also an invitation to transformation. 

The leper’s encounter with Jesus changes his life forever. 

Similarly, Jesus invites each of us to experience spiritual renewal and a new beginning

*Think about it*

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

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*