Becoming Clean!

Jesus continues his healing ministry in our gospel passage, Mark 1:40-45. A leper came to Jesus and said to him, "If you wish, you can make me clean." Jesus answered him by saying, "I do will it. Be made clean." The Lord heals us of our infirmities, our illnesses, our sickness, our sinfulness. From that, we are truly made clean, and we pray that we may have the grace to live the love and mercy of God. Another passage says, "Blessed are the clean of heart, for they will see God" (Mt 5:8). The relating commentary goes on to say: "To be a disciple means to follow the Master. He ascended the hill of the cross and transformed it into the seat of glory, a holy place. Risen, he invites us to leave behind all worthless desires and seek him in holiness, that is, in love" (Magnificat, 158). A beautiful thought for us because God truly loves us and He showed how much He loves us by sending His only Son to be our Savior. Through Jesus' death on the cross, we have the forgiveness of our sins, and through his resurrection the hope of eternal life. Even though Jesus told the leper not to tell anyone about what happened, he did anyway. God's great love, mercy, and goodness is Good News that we need to share with others. Let us keep our focus on God and what He does in our lives because by following and listening to Him, we are truly made clean! Blessings to you!!!