TODAY IS THE DAY OF HEALING AND CONVERSION - 1/12/23 (Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time)

Mark 1:40–41

A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011223.cfm

Blessed Thursday! When Jesus visited many places to heal the sick and drive out demons, the leper took it as an opportunity to come to our Lord for healing. Because of this, he turned to our Lord, begged and knelt down before requesting for him to be cured if it's the desire of Christ. This impactful event is not just about physical illness because it can also be related to our spiritual illnesses. We are also spiritually sick because of our sins. The leper in the gospel reading knew how worse his situation was because of his physical illness which affected, not just his health, but also his relationship with other people. In our life, God desires for us to be humble by acknowledging the negative effects of sins in us. Let's not be distracted by the world, entertainment and pleasures because if we are focused on other things, we will not see how our sins can destroy our relationship with God and with our neighbors. It is by meditating on our weaknesses and sinfulness that we will gradually learn to turn to God and beg for His mercy similar to the actions of the leper.

If the leper if not come to Jesus at that particular time, he could remain in his sickness. This represents the importance of using this present moment, what we call as "today" and "now" to be closer to God. God gives us this present moment as an opportunity to repent of our sins and to deepen our relationship with Him. Today is the day of healing and conversion. This is the day that our hearts will be healed by the mercy of God. Sometimes, we are embarrassed of ourselves when we see how often we fall to temptations. Some people seem to just accept the thought in their mind that they cannot change. This is why many people just continue in their sinful, worldly and materialistic lifestyle. The truth is that God wants us to know how merciful He is. Jesus will be moved by His pity when we learn to humble ourselves before Him. He wants us to be clean. He wants our hearts to be free from all sins and attachments. If we have committed grave sins, God doesn't condemn us, but He invites us back to His love through the sacrament of confession. Below this reflection, there is a guide to this sacrament and examination of conscience to help us in our prayer and reflection. We may be the only ones who are afraid to come to God, but He cares for us because He wants our salvation. He wants us to have eternal life with Him. As Jesus brings us to the light of His truth, may we not harden our hearts and accept this present time as the day of our salvation. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth