Be Made Clean

 

“Lord, if you wish, 

you can make me clean.” 

Jesus stretched out his hand,

touched him, and said, 

“I do will it. 

Be made clean.” 

(Luke 5:12-13)

Luke 5:12-16 recounts the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. Here are some key lessons we can learn from this passage:

Jesus showed compassion and willingness to help the man with leprosy. This teaches us the importance of being compassionate and willing to help those in need.

The man with leprosy approached Jesus with faith and humility, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." This demonstrates the importance of having faith in God's power and approaching Him with humility.

Jesus' ability to heal the man with leprosy shows His authority and power over sickness and disease. This reminds us of Jesus' divine nature and His ability to bring healing and restoration.

After healing the man, Jesus instructed him to show himself to the priest and offer the sacrifices commanded by Moses. This emphasizes the importance of obedience to God's commands and following the proper procedures.

After performing the miracle, Jesus often withdrew to lonely places to pray. This highlights the significance of prayer in maintaining a close relationship with God and seeking His guidance and strength.

These lessons encourage us to be compassionate, have faith, recognize Jesus' authority, obey God's commands, and prioritize prayer in our lives.

In the stillness of the dawn's first light, 

A whisper echoes through the night. 

"I do will it. Be made clean," 

A promise kept, a soul serene.

The weight of sorrow, the chains of sin, 

Are lifted now, new life begins. 

With gentle touch and healing grace, 

A heart restored, a radiant face.

The past is gone, the future bright, 

In His embrace, all things made right. 

"I do will it. Be made clean," 

A love so pure, a hope unseen.

Lord Jesus, 

In Your infinite mercy and love, You said, "I do will it. Be made clean." With these words, You brought healing and hope to the broken and weary. We come before You now, seeking Your divine touch.

Cleanse us, O Lord, from all that separates us from You. Wash away our sins and renew our spirits. Grant us the grace to walk in Your light and follow Your ways. May Your healing power flow through us, Restoring our hearts, minds, and bodies. Fill us with Your peace and strength, So that we may serve You with joy and gratitude.

We trust in Your promise, Lord, and we place our lives in Your loving hands. Guide us, protect us, and lead us closer to You each day.

In Your holy name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Book of Signs

THE CLEANSING OF A LEPER

Luke 5:12-16

Gospel Acclamation

Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people.

Gospel| Luke 5:12-16

 12 It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 13 Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. 14 Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 15 The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, 16 but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Be Made Clean

“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 

He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, 

“I will do it. Be made clean.”

(Matthew 8:2-3)

Jesus shows His compassion and readiness to heal those who come to Him in faith. It reassures us that Jesus is always willing to respond to our needs when we come to Him sincerely. Compassion is more important over societal norms. We need to always be obedient to God’s laws and observe proper procedures for our restoration and thanksgiving to the Lord. Our own experiences of God’s work in our lives can serve as powerful testimonies to others. Let us trust in Jesus’ ability to help us and to approach Him with humility and faith.

1 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. 2 And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” 3 He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” (Matthew 8:1-4)

In the quiet moments of our need, Jesus shows His love indeed. With compassion, pure and true, He heals the hearts that come anew. Beyond the norms of earthly ways, His mercy shines through all our days. When we approach with faith sincere, His readiness to heal is near. Obedience to God’s holy laws, Restores our souls, without a pause. In gratitude, we lift our praise, For His guidance through our days. Our lives, a testament to His might, Reflect His work, His guiding light. With humility, we seek His face, Trusting in His boundless grace. So let us come, with hearts contrite, In faith and love, to His delight. For Jesus stands, with open arms, Ready to shield us from all harms.

Dear Lord Jesus, we come before You with hearts full of faith, grateful for Your boundless compassion and readiness to heal. Your love reassures us that You are always willing to respond to our needs when we approach You sincerely. Help us to remember that compassion is more important than societal norms. Guide us to always be obedient to Your holy laws and to observe the proper procedures for our restoration and thanksgiving to You, our Lord. May our own experiences of Your work in our lives serve as powerful testimonies to others. Teach us to trust in Your ability to help us and to approach You with humility and faith. In Your precious name, we pray. Amen.

God has a plan in fulfilling the prophecies given to us. Our spiritual blindness comes from rebelling against God that led to our downfall and being held captive by sin. Suffering the severe consequences of disobeying God's command serves as a call to repentance. It reminds us that turning back to God and seeking His forgiveness is crucial, especially when we have strayed from His path. Even in the midst of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope. Hope in God’s promises that after facing and exeperiencing the most difficult times of our lives, there is still a bright future that lies ahead.

1 In the tenth month of the ninth year of Zedekiah’s reign, on the tenth day of the month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and his whole army advanced against Jerusalem, encamped around it, and built siege walls on every side. 2 The siege of the city continued until the eleventh year of Zedekiah. 3 On the ninth day of the fourth month, when famine had gripped the city, and the people had no more bread, 4 the city walls were breached. Then the king and all the soldiers left the city by night through the gate between the two walls which was near the king’s garden. Since the Chaldeans had the city surrounded, they went in the direction of the Arabah. 5 But the Chaldean army pursued the king and overtook him in the desert near Jericho, abandoned by his whole army. 6 The king was therefore arrested and brought to Riblah to the king of Babylon, who pronounced sentence on him. 7 He had Zedekiah’s sons slain before his eyes. Then he blinded Zedekiah, bound him with fetters, and had him brought to Babylon. 8 On the seventh day of the fifth month (this was in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon), Nebuzaradan, captain of the bodyguard, came to Jerusalem as the representative of the king of Babylon. 9 He burned the house of the Lord, the palace of the king, and all the houses of Jerusalem; every large building was destroyed by fire. 10 Then the Chaldean troops who were with the captain of the guard tore down the walls that surrounded Jerusalem. 11 Then Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, led into exile the last of the people remaining in the city, and those who had deserted to the king of Babylon, and the last of the artisans. 12 But some of the country’s poor, Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, left behind as vinedressers and farmers. (2 Kings 25:1-12)

In the tapestry of time, God’s plan unfolds, Prophecies whispered, in hearts they hold. Our eyes, once blind, by rebellion’s snare, Led to downfall, sin’s captive lair. Through suffering’s weight, consequences severe, A call to repentance, crystal clear. Disobedience’s sting, a lesson profound, To seek His forgiveness, where grace is found. In judgment’s shadow, a glimmer of light, Hope in His promises, shining bright. Through trials faced, and darkest night, A future awaits, radiant and right. Turn back to God, with hearts contrite, In His mercy, find pure delight. For even in sorrow, His love prevails, A bright future, beyond the veils.

Heavenly Father, we come before You, acknowledging Your divine plan and the prophecies You have given us. We confess that our spiritual blindness stems from our rebellion against You, leading to our downfall and captivity by sin. Lord, we recognize the severe consequences of disobeying Your commands. We ask for Your forgiveness and seek to turn back to You with repentant hearts. Help us to remember that even in the midst of judgment, there is a glimmer of hope in Your promises. Guide us through the most difficult times of our lives, reminding us that a bright future lies ahead. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in Your unfailing love and mercy. May we always seek Your forgiveness and strive to walk in Your ways. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Greatest joy comes from placing God and our spiritual commitments at the forefront of our lives. It challenges us to evaluate what we hold most dear and ensure that our devotion to God remains our highest priority. On the other hand, weeping expresses our pain, grief and sorrow. It is also okay to mourn and feel sadness, especially in times of loss and displacement. We should stay true to our feelings and faith, even when pressured to conform or pretend. It encourages us to maintain our integrity and not compromise our beliefs, even in challenging situations. Let us be honest with our emotions and seek comfort in God no matter where life takes us. Our priority should always be our relationship with God above all else.

1 By the streams of Babylon we sat and wept when we remembered Zion. 2 On the aspens of that land we hung up our harps. (R) 3 Though there our captors asked of us the lyrics of our songs, and our despoilers urged us to be joyous: “Sing for us the songs of Zion!” (R) 4 How could we sing a song of the Lord in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand be forgotten! (R) 6 May my tongue cleave to my palate if I remember you not, if I place not Jerusalem ahead of my joy. (Psalm 137:1-2, 3, 4-5, 6)

Greatest joy comes from placing God above, Our spiritual commitments, a testament of love. It challenges us to see what we hold dear, Ensuring our devotion to God remains clear. Weeping, on the other hand, expresses our pain, Grief and sorrow, like a relentless rain. It’s okay to mourn, to feel sadness deep, Especially in times of loss, when we weep. Stay true to your feelings, your faith, your core, Even when pressured to conform, to ignore. Maintain your integrity, don’t compromise, Even in challenges, let your beliefs rise. Be honest with emotions, seek comfort in His grace, No matter where life takes you, in every place. Our priority should always be our relationship with God, Above all else, on this path we trod.

Heavenly Father, greatest joy comes from placing You and our spiritual commitments at the forefront of our lives. Help us to evaluate what we hold most dear and ensure that our devotion to You remains our highest priority. In times of weeping, when pain, grief, and sorrow overwhelm us, remind us that it is okay to mourn and feel sadness, especially in moments of loss and displacement. Grant us the strength to stay true to our feelings and faith, even when pressured to conform or pretend. Encourage us to maintain our integrity and not compromise our beliefs, even in challenging situations. Let us be honest with our emotions and seek comfort in You, no matter where life takes us. May our relationship with You always be our priority above all else. Guide us, comfort us, and keep us steadfast in Your love. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Pericope:

Gospel

III: Ministry and Mission in Galilee

THE CLEANSING OF A LEPER

Matthew 8:1-4

First Reading

V: The Kingdom of Judah after 721 B.C.

REIGN OF ZEDEKIAH

2 Kings 25:1-21

Responsorial Psalm 

Fifth Book of Psalms 107-150

SORROW AND HOPE IN EXILE

Psalm 137:1-9

Related Blogs:

https://healingofinfirmities.blogspot.com/2024/06/be-made-clean.html

https://thepathofrepentance.blogspot.com/2024/06/a-glimmer-of-hope.html

https://gladtidingstothepoor.blogspot.com/2024/06/greatest-joy-and-deepest-weeping.html

Reflection Source:

Conversation with Copilot

Be Made Clean

Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, 

touched the leper, and said to him, 

“I do will it. Be made clean.”

MARK 1:41

The Lord can make you clean from your seemingly incurable illness and desease if He so will it. He can wash away your stains and heal your wounds and pains. By His grace and mercy, He can forgive your faults and renew your heart and thoughts. If you confess and repent, He can restore your joy and give you peace and hope.

Offer for your cleansing what is prescribed according to your means and ability. Do not withhold from the Lord, what is His due. Bring it to the priest, who will make atonement for your sin and guilt, and grant you forgiveness. The priest will offer them, as a pleasing aroma

40 A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”42 The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. 43 Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 44 Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”45 The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere. (Mark 1:40-45)

The Lord allows defeat for a purpose. It is His way to humble us and show us our need to rely on His grace and not on our own strength or deed. A way to discipline us and correct our ways, to prune us and refine our faith and make us more like Him each day. He allows us to suffer defeat so that He may reveal His power and glory to turn our sorrow into joy and overturn our defeat into victory.

Take courage and be manly. Do not fear or be dismayed for the Lord is with you always and He will guide you and sustain you. The Lord has called you for a purpose, He will equip you and use you. You may think that you have experienced defeat but in reality, it may be a blessing in disguise. At the end of the day and at the end of every road, it is always the victory of the Lord that prevails.

1 The Philistines gathered for an attack on Israel. Israel went out to engage them in battle and camped at Ebenezer, while the Philistines camped at Aphek. 2 The Philistines then drew up in battle formation against Israel. After a fierce struggle Israel was defeated by the Philistines, who slew about four thousand men on the battlefield. 3 When the troops retired to the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the Lord permitted us to be defeated today by the Philistines? 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.” 4 So the people sent men to Shiloh and brought from there the ark of the Lord of hosts, who is enthroned upon the cherubim. The two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were with the ark of God. 5 When the ark of the Lord arrived in the camp, all Israel shouted so loudly that the earth resounded. 6 The Philistines, hearing the noise of shouting, asked, “What can this loud shouting in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” On learning that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp, 7 the Philistines were frightened. They said, “Gods have come to their camp.” They said also, “Woe to us! This has never happened before. 8 Woe to us! Who can deliver us from the power of these mighty gods? These are the gods that struck the Egyptians with various plagues and with pestilence. 9 Take courage and be manly, Philistines; otherwise you will become slaves to the Hebrews, as they were your slaves. So fight manfully!” 10 The Philistines fought and Israel was defeated; every man fled to his own tent. It was a disastrous defeat, in which Israel lost thirty thousand foot soldiers. 11 The ark of God was captured, and Eli’s two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, were among the dead. (1 Samuel 4:1-11)

Your loss in the world is your gain in the Lord. He will fill your emptiness with his abundance, turn your mourning into dancing, and give you beauty for ashes. He will lift your burden with His grace, turn your weakness into strength and give you peace for trouble. He will satisfy your hunger with his bread, turn your thirst into joy and will give you life for death.

God will overturn your disgrace into grace. He will wipe away your tears and heal your wounds. He will turn your shame into honor and will give you a crown for your cross. The Lord will restore your brokenness and mend your heart, turning your sorrow into gladness. He will redeem your past and renew your future, turn your darkness into light and give you a hope for your despair.

10 Yet now you have cast us off and put us in disgrace, and you go not forth with our armies. 11 You have let us be driven back by our foes; those who hated us plundered us at will. 14 You made us the reproach of our neighbors, the mockery and the scorn of those around us. 15 You made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. 24 Why do you hide your face, forgetting our woe and our oppression? 25 For our souls are bowed down to the dust, our bodies are pressed to the earth. (Psalm 44:10-11, 14-15, 24-25)

Lord Jesus, You can make me clean if You so will it. Wash away my stains and heal my wounds and pains. By Your grace and mercy, forgive my faults and renew my heart and thoughts. Thank You so much for always giving me victory over my daily battles and challenges in life. At times, I may think that I have experienced defeat but in reality, it is a blessing in disguise. You allow defeat as a way to humble us and show me my need to rely on Your grace and not on my own strength or deed. Be praised and glorified O Lord for overturning my disgrace into grace. You have redeemed me from my past and renew my future, turning my darkness into light and gave me hope for my despair. Amen.

Pericope:

II: The Mystery of Jesus

THE CLEANSING OF A LEPER

Mark 1:40-45

I: History of the Last Judges, Eli and Samuel

DEFEAT OF THE ISRAELITES / LOSS OF THE ARK

1 Samuel 4:1-3 / 4-11

Second Book : Psalms 42-72

GOD'S PAST FAVOR AND ISRAEL'S PRESENT NEED

Psalm 44:1-27

Reflection Source:

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