“The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.” (Mark 1:42)

The major theme for this Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time is on our need for social acceptance, encouragement and support even when we are different from one another. The readings also tell us that God’s purity and holiness, demonstrated by His compassionate and merciful love of Jesus Christ toward us, cleanse our lives, body, soul and spirit from all sin, impurity and illness like the leprosy.

Leprosy (ˈlɛprəsi), also known as Hansen's disease, is a chronic infectious illness caused by the Leprosy bacteria. In the past it has affected humanity for thousands of years in ancient Egypt, China, Israel and India. Leprosy has been associated with social stigma for much of history, which nowadays is curable with treatment.

However, leprosy like any other sickness in the ancient world, represents impurity of body and soul, the result of a sinful state and disgraced human condition that only God can heal and restore it back to the glory of original purity.

Jesus our redeemer comes to save us from sins represented by leprosy and restores us back to good health and rightful relationships with God and one another.   

God does not want us holding a relationship of Transaction but Transformation. Therefore, Dynamic Christian disciples are those who (1) BELIEVE, (2) GROW, (3) SERVE, (4) LOVE and (5) LEAD others to Jesus. Today’s topic invites us to reflect on our vocation of dynamic Christian discipleship to live a pure holy life to fulfill God’s will and obtain our salvation.

How can we trust in God’s mercy, repent our sins through the sacrament of reconciliation?

Wishing everyone a blessed week in the Lord.