LORD, IF YOU WILL, YOU CAN MAKE US CLEAN

 Friday After the Epiphany of the Lord, 8th January, 2021

Readings: 1 John 5:5-13, Ps.147, Luke 5:12-16

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

LORD, IF YOU WILL, YOU CAN MAKE US CLEAN

With the ugly situation in our lives, our families, societies and the world at large, there is no doubt that we all are sick and in need of God’s healing touch. Thus, our Gospel passage today, presents to us the story of a leper who approached Jesus for healing. He made this request with faith and trust in the power of Jesus. He said: “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Probably, he may had heard stories of Jesus' many healings. So in response, Jesus immediately touched him saying: “I will, be clean.” The man was healed immediately. 

This can be symbolic in relation to what God has done for humanity. For while we were still in the state of sin, corruption and in deep darkness as a result of the evil activities in this world. The Lord has not abandoned us, rather he always reached out to us and touched us by his generous love and often healed us from our sins, which had separated us from God just as the leper had been separated and cast out from the society.

Here also, the touching of Jesus is very significant. No ordinary person would dare to touch a leper. Think of the inner healing that must have resulted from the touch of Jesus, that moment of physical contact. Touch is something we all need but are so often lacking in our relationship with God and one another. Thus, we too, are in need of healing, including the healing that comes from the touch of Jesus. 

And the truth is that, we all have received this amazing loving touch of God, his mercy, compassion, forgiveness and healing. This is what St. John in our first reading today is reminding us, when he spoke about overcoming the challenges of this world by believing in Jesus, who through the testimonies of water, Spirit and Blood bears witness to the love of God.

Dear friends, I don’t know what type of leprocious problems you are passing through, let us put our trust in the healing power of Jesus. For the story of this leper is a good example of how we sinners can and should appeal to Jesus for cleansing especially from our sins. We should come in faith knowing that God is able to cleanse us, because he is always willing to cleanse every sinner who comes to him. 

LET US PRAY: Lord God,  we come to you today just like the man in our Gospel passage, you know our inner most being, so we ask that if you will, you can cleanse us, our families, societies and the world from physical, emotional sinful, greed, unforgiveness and spiritual leprosies. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.  Do have a blessed day.