
When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. Then Jesus said to him, ‘See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.’
-Matthew 8:1-4
In a time when touching a leper meant becoming ceremonially unclean and socially outcast, Jesus shows compassion and courage in today’s Gospel reading. He expects the same of us – to reach across divides and help others, regardless of the social cost. Fear of the other needs to be overwhelmed by hope, love, and compassion.
Finally, as today’s reading shows, Jesus has a deep desire to help us, but he wants us to ask for His Help. Our faith is not about our search for God but God’s constant search for us.
Musical Reflection - Great is Thy Faithfulness - Carrie Underwood
Gracious God, thank you for yearning towards us with your healing touch. Give us confidence in our own desires to know you and follow you. Amen.
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