Greetings on this the Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: 1 Samuel 4:1-11; Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25; Mark 1:40-45
Summary
The Cleansing of a Leper
A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him (Mk 1:40a).
To beg is to want to be seen, recognized and valued.
I will offer to you that the Leper’s desire to be seen is of even a higher value to him than being healed. He shares this need with so many in the hospital, hospice, immigrants and those who are addicted.
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper … The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. Show yourself to the priest … The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad (Mk 1:41a, 42, 44b, 45a).
I was seen. Oh, and by the way, I was healed.
Reflection
The story of the Defeat of the Israelites in our first reading today, parallels the same shortsightedness. The Ark of the Covenant was proof I was seen. Let us fetch the ark of the LORD from Shiloh that it may go into battle among us and save us from the grasp of our enemies (1 Sam 4:3). The similarity is why these two stories are presented together in our liturgy today. Yes, you are seen. But you must be seen deeper than as an image of an Obelisk or Token or Temple.
Personal Reflection
The reality for us is we do need to be seen. We beg to be seen and that is naturally good. And we should want to be seen and appreciated – it is right and proper. But it is not enough. Being seen is not the end of the story—it is the beginning of sanctification.
In our society today we think being seen is the end of the story. It is the beginning of sanctification but only the first step. You are seen—but now let yourself be changed. Don’t sell yourself to an image. Go beyond, be made clean.
I do will it. Be made clean. The clean is the point. Holding onto the clean is the task—through obedience, humility, and gratitude.
Go beyond the image.
Sacred Readings full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011526.cfm
Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry
Leave your ego go, sometimes is all it takes. Easier said than done but once finally done you taste freedom and peace with you and others.
Yes, indeed!!