Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Reading I: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 32:1-2, 5, 11
Reading II: 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45
The Lord has performed miracles after miracles throughout his ministry. But the healing He performed goes hand in hand with humility of the one healed. Healing and humility are inseparable. It is only when we are humble enough to kneel down in the confessional that we are healed of guilt that has burdened us for a long time. It is only when we are humble enough to seek the advice of a competent person that some marital problems can be solved. It is only after an alcoholic, or a wife batterer, is humble enough to admit his problem that healing can begin. It is only when parents are humble enough to listen to their children that relationships improve. It is only when we are humble enough to take the first step towards reconciliation that things get settled.
The person afflicted with leprosy approached Jesus and begged Him, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” He must have had an unusual faith in Jesus’ goodness for no leper in his right mind would have dared to approach a healthy person. During the time of Christ, lepers are considered social outcasts and are forbidden to associate with people. Such an act by the leper would have provoked a violent and hostile reaction. The leper, however, took the risk. Maybe he felt he had nothing to lose. There was no doubt though about his humility. He pleaded on his knees. He knew he was totally at Jesus’ mercy.
Efren Tomas
In 2004, Father Efren arrived on Maui, Hawaii to be the Pastor of Christ The King Catholic Church in Kahului, Maui until 2012. He calls Christ The King his home because this was his first parish in Hawaii.
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