Do you seek the Lord Jesus with expectant faith? No one who sought Jesus
out was refused his help. Even the untouchables and the outcasts of Jewish
society found help in him. Unlike the people of Jesus' time who fled at the
sight of a leper, Jesus touched the leper who approached him and he made him
whole and clean. Why was this so remarkable? Lepers were outcasts of society.
They were driven from their homes and communities and left to fend for
themselves. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use
of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as
"already dead" even by their relatives. The Jewish law forbade anyone
from touching or approaching a leper, lest ritual defilement occur.
This leper did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus
confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Normally
a leper would be stoned or at least warded off if he tried to come near a
rabbi. Jesus not only grants the man his request, but he demonstrates the
personal love, compassion, and tenderness of God in his physical touch. The
medical knowledge of his day would have regarded such contact as grave risk for
incurring infection. Jesus met the man's misery with compassion and tender
kindness. He communicated the love and mercy of God in a sign that spoke more
eloquently than words. He touched the man and made him clean - not only
physically but spiritually as well. How do you approach those who are difficult
to love, or who are shunned by others because they are deformed or have some
defect? Do you show them kindness and offer them mercy and help as Jesus did?
The Lord is always ready to show us his mercy and to free us from whatever
makes us unclean, unapproachable, or unloving towards others.
Remember that the Pancake Breakfast is being held downstairs
after all Masses this weekend. I hope you come down and support the efforts of
our Parish Knights of Columbus Council.
The Pasta Dinner Night is quickly
approaching next Saturday evening.
Tickets are available this weekend! Come and enjoy our 20th
Anniversary Dinner with your fellow parishioners.
LENT 2015 +
Please note that the Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, February 18th.
There will be an elementary school Mass at 9:15 am and a high school Mass at 1
pm followed by a parish Mass at 7:30 pm. You are invited to attend any of these
Masses for the beginning of Lent. Ashes, of course, will be distributed at all
Masses.
FRIDAY EVENING DURING LENT: Mass will
be celebrated every Friday evening at 7 pm immediately followed by the Stations
of the Cross. Parish Committees and Ministries will lead the Stations each
week.
I wish you all a good week
Fr. Phil
