Reflection on Matthew 8:1-4 ~
Many times in my life, I feel “clean,” such as after a good confession, a sincere prayer, a silent walk into nature, during Mass, helping others, and a focused conversation with my wife. With all the effort I put in, it would seem remaining clean would be easy. Yet, my life with Jesus is like a roller coaster, as I constantly rise when I pay attention, then without realizing it, I fall into my known “uncleanliness.” These experiences and necessary reconciliations of my failures teach me how to humbly offer an outstretched hand to the crowd, especially those who do not know Jesus’s love.
Healing of the Lepers at Capernaum, James Tissot, Brooklyn Museum
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 8:1-4
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
When Jesus had come down from the mountain, great crowds followed him; 2 and there was a leper who came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.” 3 He stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 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.”
Thank you for meditating on this daily Gospel reading and considering this Matthew 8:1-4 Reflection – Known Uncleanliness
Additional Thoughts
This site has written permission from New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) to use the Matthew 8 Bible passage.
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