January 7, 2022
Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase from the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
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.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. (Luke 5:12-16)
I DO WILL IT: Today’s Gospel sends a beautiful message. He will forgive us.
We tend to make seeking forgiveness more difficult than it needs to be. All we need are sincerity and effort. We can be made clean; we simply need to ask.
You’ll notice that Jesus did not hesitate in cleansing the leper. He did not ask a bunch of questions, or force the leper to qualify his need. He saw the leper’s effort and heard sincerity in his request. Jesus’ simple response, “I will do it.”
Whatever your flaws, whatever baggage you are carrying around, Jesus is waiting to forgive you. Allow Him to love you.
From the Deacon's Desk 