Make Me Clean – Reflection on Luke 5:12-16
For those not Catholic, the sacrament of Reconciliation contains significant traditions that began with Moses. This reflection focuses on the human elements involved in several phases. The first is realizing it is time to seek forgiveness via this sacrament. We recall the intensity of the moments when we sinned. Then, we decide if we have already asked for and received forgiveness, especially for more minor transgressions. Our mind assembles the transgressions worthy of presenting to the Lord, and emotional remorse surfaces that calls out to be relieved. Lastly, we perceive a perspective we should verbalize our shortfalls with a priest who, most importantly, has compassion and will not repeat them, hold them against us, and help us put them in the past as forgiven. We become the leper, knowing we must prostrate and plead before the Lord to “make me clean.” The process has other Catholic-specific beliefs and intense spiritual components, but the human side most often drives us to seek the cleansing sacrament.
He Heals the Lame by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting).
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Christmastide Reflections
Luke 5:12-16
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
12 Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” 13 Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do choose. Be made clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14 And he ordered him to tell no one. “Go,” he said, “and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.” 15 But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. 16 But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Luke 5:12-16 Reflection – Make me clean.
Additional Thoughts
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate your expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let our communities’ young families experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions. Amen
Attributions
* This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible for the passage of Luke 5.
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Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Make me Clean.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.
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