Daily Gospel Reflection for June 26, 2015

Today's Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

Today’s gospel passage follows on the heels of the previous chapters’ amazing teachings – the Sermon on the Mount. Coming so closely after the sermon, Jesus descent down the mountain, followed by great crowds, is a transition in Matthew’s gospel.

Confronted by a leper, Jesus chooses to heal the man, but warns him to tell no one but instead to show himself to the priest as proof.

I’ve often prayed over the words of the leper, who said so plainly to Jesus, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” In my sinful state, so broken and fragile, why am I so very afraid to go directly to my Lord and to ask to be made clean? Do I lack the trust and faith of the leper?

Jesus has the power to cleanse me – body and soul – of the infirmities that keep me from being the holy, pure being God created. I simply need to come to him, confidently and with hope, and ask to be healed.

In him, I am made clean.

Ponder:

Do you struggle with the need to be made clean? What obstacles prevent you from seeking healing in Christ?

Pray:

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. Cleanse me, body and soul, so that I may more fully live out your will for my life.

We thank our friends at The Word Among Us for providing our gospel reflection team with copies of Abide In My Word 2015: Mass Readings at Your Fingertips. To pray the daily gospels with this wonderful resource, visit The Word Among Us.

Copyright 2015 Lisa Hendey