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February 10, 2024Reflection for 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time: February 11, 2024
Lev 13:1-2, 44-46: In studying this passage, I learned that the priest’s role is merely to diagnose the diseases; not to heal them. The passage infers that healing is up to God. The Hebrew word used to describe the “leprosy” in this passage is “seraat” which means a number of skin conditions. The command to leave the community isn’t just to avoid contagion of the disease, but to remove the sick person from the irritating substance causing the disease. The motive of these laws is to protect both the sick and those who are well.
Psalm 32: “I turn to You, Lord, in time of trouble, and You fill me with the joy of salvation.” Now, we turn our focus on a healing God Who cures us from the “sickness” of sin which is the cause of all spiritual illness. The second verse of this psalm is a great testimonial to the healing power of repentance and confession of sins as a prelude to healing. Once we’ve repented and confessed our sins; we’ve availed ourselves of God’s own mercy and forgiveness. The psalmist celebrates with us the relief from the burden of guilt that accompanies forgive-ness. True and complete confession of sins we’re conscious of having committed brings on this serene relief and ability to accept God’s healing power. While we all feel sheepish about approaching the Confessional; how often we leave it, exulting and rejoicing as the psalmist describes! Meditation on this psalm offers a great preparation for our Lenten journey.
1 Cor 10:31-11:1: Today, St. Paul is encouraging us to be ever mindful of God’s presence at every moment of our lives; no matter what we’re doing… eating, drinking, working or resting. Paul encourages us that we can give God glory at every moment by maintaining a spirit of reverence, obedience and adoration of God. Consider how much visible reminders of our faith help us to be conscious of God’s omnipresence. Such “reminders” as statues, crucifixes, icons, symbols of the Holy Trinity and Scripture placed in a visible place come to mind. When we’re in turmoil, these help us to return our focus to God. Let’s set up “reminders” in our homes to keep us focused this Lent! Images of Jesus and of saintly “role-models” can help greatly to sedate us in times of trial.
Mark 1:40-45: Now, we see the contrast between Jesus and the priests of the Old Testament. They diagnose, while Jesus heals… both the soul and the body. Jesus often emphasizes forgiving the suffering persons’ sins as an integral part of their physical healing. We’re certainly being inspired to contemplate and accept the fact that the turmoil in our lives caused by our own sins and others’ sins can have serious physical, emotional and spiritual consequences. Consider how guilt and regret alone can affect our moods; aggravating depression, anxiety and thoughts of hopelessness. Disturbed “equilibrium” brought on by sin can affect blood pressure, heart rhythm and other vital life systems. Let’s contemplate and strive for virtue and achieve the serenity that we all instinctively desire! May God’s healing forgiveness and peace envelope us all!
Meaningfully,
Deacon Matt