Become the Leper – Reflection on Luke 5:12-16
I go through several phases when I realize it is time to go to Confession. First, I recall the intensity of the moments when I sinned. I then have to decide if I have already asked for and received forgiveness, especially for more minor sins. As my mind assembles the transgressions worthy of presenting to the Lord, I feel shame. Lastly, I verbalize my shortlist with a priest during reconciliation. I become the leper, knowing I must prostrate and plead before the Lord to make me whole and clean in the process. I suspect this scenario is familiar to you.
He Heals the Lame, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
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 reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 5:12-16 Reflection – Become the Leper.
Additional Thoughts
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Luke 5 Bible passage.
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Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite the world’s distractions.