Readings
I - Heb. 3: 7-14
II - Mk. 1: 40-45
HUMBLE YOURSELVES BEFORE THE LORD
The Gospel passage of the day is about the healing of the leper. He came to Jesus, knelt before him and pleaded for a healing. He was humble and honest in his pleading. He was in deed healed by Jesus. Jesus healed him from his physical ailment, the leprosy; social and psychological ailment, ostracization from the community and; spiritual ailment, leprosy was considered to be a punishment of sin. The leper was healed and restored back to his family and society.
There is a distinction between religiosity and spirituality. Religiosity is the spiritual practices viz. saying prayers, taking up a pilgrimage, frequent fasting…whereas spirituality is something of the heart. Sincere observance of the religious principles. Today what is more prevalent in the world is religiosity and the satisfaction they derive from the same. This is why more crime, selfishness and all havoc. What is essential is a humble and sincere heart. When we approach God with a sincere heart and in humility, God grants our prayers. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Lord Jesus, create in me a humble and sincere heart.”
