30 June, 2023 | Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Gospel Mt 8:1-4 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” Reflections A leper in the time of Jesus and even in our time is shunned and even despised. In addition to the physical torment and social isolation, was the shame. Lepers were often thought to have contracted the disease as punishment from God for their sins. So he is isolated. The leper, in our gospel, is confident Jesus has the power to heal him but he is not sure if the Lord is willing. He approaches Him nevertheless and pays Him homage. In humility, he uttered his supplication. He touched him. Christ did not regard the traditi