COMPASSIONATE HEALING

Mark 1:41
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
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Leprosy, at its later stage, is an incurable disease. Persons who contract leprosy must take regular medication to keep the dreaded disease from spreading. In Jesus’ time, leprosy is a dreaded disease. Since it is very contagious, lepers were forced to live apart in social isolation. They were supposed to shout, "unclean, unclean!" when anyone approached, to warn people to keep their distance. The only comfort such people had was to seek the company of other lepers. However, Jesus has never placed Himself away from lepers. In fact, in the Bible, there were instances wherein in even touched them so they may be healed. And in doing so, He showed the compassionate healing love for the sick.

First, He “stretched out his hand”. To reach out and touch a leper, especially in Jesus’ day, was to put oneself in grave danger of catching this awful and incurable disease. Christ is not afraid to reach out and touch our sinfulness in order to heal us. We should never be afraid to approach Jesus in prayer and penance, no matter how unworthy we may feel.

Then, He “touched him”. It was a healing touch, full of love and friendship. When was the last time you allowed yourself to be touched by the Lord? There is nothing that is impossible for Christ; we have only to approach him in faith, seek him out, and patiently wait for him to reach out, touch us and make us clean.

Finally, He said, “I will do it. Be made clean”. God's does not intend that we suffer, does not send us illness or adversity as a punishment or a test. And once we recognize Him us our Lord and seek His forgiveness, His blood shall wash our since and make us clean. And he has done it. So, reach for Him, let Him touch you and be made clean.

Almighty Father, stretch out to me, touch me and make me clean. Speak to my heart! I hope in You, Lord, because I know I cannot place my hope in the things of the world. I love You, Lord, and I know how much You love me. Clean me of my suffering and forgive me of my sins. Amen +

I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.