Our first reading today tells us that God is concerned about where each of us will be spending eternity. If Jesus had not come, then we would not be spending it with God – and when we died there would be nothing but an empty cold darkness.
But God wanted us to spend for ever with him and with all others who would believe in him – and so he did send Jesus to prepare the way – to make it possible – to make it a reality! It was by Jesus’ self-sacrificial, obedient, self-offering that we were saved! It was when water and blood flowed from his side, it is when the Holy Spirit raised him to new life that our life was restored completely and eternal life was now a possibility!
St. John, then tells us in the first reading that “belief” – “faith” in God who did these things for us is not only necessary, but vital to us! Faith is a gift, that all we really have to do, is to recognize and respond to!
The gospel passage today tells us that Jesus not only came to give us an eternal home, but that he was interested in helping us out while we are still on this earth! He came to bring truth, to preach, to teach – but also to heal and to cure! Jesus has power over nature – after all he created everything, along with his Father and the Holy Spirit.
And so Jesus cures the leper! This makes him popular with the crowds, but Jesus retreats to be alone with his Father in prayer. It is always from prayer that Jesus does what he does, and it is to prayer that Jesus returns! Life in the Spirit of prayer was Jesus mode of operation!
This day may we assent to God’s revelation and action in our lives by means faith – faith made visible in acts of kindness and love for others – especially the poor – and the ones that we would least want to be helpful to – for Jesus lives in them for us and when we help them we help Jesus directly!
Jesus proclaimed the Gospel of the Kingdom and cured every disease among the people – may we help him by our cooperation with the impulses given by the Holy Spirit today!
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