Daily Gospel Reflection for January 10, 2025

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 5:12-16

Leprosy was once an incurable disease, causing great suffering in the body, mind, and heart of the bearer. A leper lived in forced isolation from his family, friends, and society at large. He was unable to do his work, unable to help himself or anyone else. Like leprosy, sin starts like a small infection and, if left unchecked, continues to spread, destroying our relationship with God, our self, and others. Sins deadens us, our relationships, and our love for self and others.

The leper in this Gospel passage shows great faith in Christ. Against the odds, he came to Jesus. Instead of shouting “Unclean! Unclean!” he dares to meet Christ face to face. The man makes a simple statement: If you want to, you can make me whole.

Jesus’ response is just as simple:

"I do will it. Be made clean."

In that instant, the man is cured. Christ tells him to go to the priest and present his offering in return for the gift he has received, and Jesus himself slips off to find a quiet place to pray.

In the Catholic church, we meet Christ in the Blessed Sacrament and receive spiritual cleansing in the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our souls stagnate with sin; sacramental graces bring healing, refreshment, and renewal to our souls and equip us for our mission.

Ponder:

Jesus lived His mission to the full, bringing the Gospel to everyone He met. Like Him, we share the love of Christ with our families, friends, and those that we bump into along the way. Jesus slips off to a quiet place to pray. Where is your quiet place?