The Light of Jesus Inside – Mark 1:40-45 Reflection
Aren’t we all a leper in some way? I have a learning disability that, without daily prayer and interior strength, I can slip into feeling less than an average human. Despite our issues like this, we can meekly approach Jesus. Even with weaknesses, you may already know that Jesus temporarily heals us when we need to be present for Him. In the tradition of a fully clean leper, Jesus suggests we privately and cautiously unveil what He gives us in two ways. One is by limiting expressing it in words but by doing and being present for others. The other is by confiding in someone you trust. This person can help confirm how Jesus inside allows you to accept and push aside adverse human conditions. When you do so, the euphoria will enable you to feel whole, like an Israelite going through the prescribed procedure suggested by Moses. Our Christian responsibilities include knowing faith alone reminds us that the light of Jesus inside benefits others and gives glory to God.
Note from Jerry to daily viewers of the immersive prayer website. When a Gospel reading repeats within a short period, like Mark 1:40-45, the Lectio thought is still fresh in my mind and heart. This means it appears as a repeat, but since it is the same thought, I leave the reflection as is.
Healing of the Lepers at Capernaum by James Tissot (full-resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Mark 1:40-45 – Scripture*
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
40 A leper came to him begging him, and kneeling he said to him, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, “I do choose. Be made clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean. 43 After sternly warning him he sent him away at once, 44 saying to him, “See that you say nothing to anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely, and to spread the word, so that Jesus could no longer go into a town openly, but stayed out in the country; and people came to him from every quarter.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Mark 1:40-45 Reflection – The Light of Jesus Inside.
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 these types of 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 the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Mark 1 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.