6thSunday in Ordinary Time (Cycle B, Year I)

Community Word:  Disciples of Christ speak with authority by the power of God’s word.

Theme:  As disciples of Christ we speak with God’s authority when we treat others with mercy and compassion.

Promise:  “Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.” (Ps 32:1)

Reflection:
In Old Testament times, a leper observed two restrictions: first, he lives apart in isolation and exile; second, he cannot go near anyone, including family and friends. “As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp,” (Lev. 13:46).  Lepers were left to die a painful and miserable death.

However, “filled with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched the man (the leper),” defying Levitical law, which declares that anyone who touches a leper is defiled, unclean. To Jesus, however, mercy & compassion take precedence over the law.  By this act, He was demonstrating that everyone is welcome, and that in His kingdom, there are no outsiders, no slaves, no Samaritans, no Jews, no Greeks, or any other distinction, whether of race, creed, or social status.

With the authority given Him by the Father, Jesus responded positively when the leper pleaded to be made clean, “I am willing” said Jesus. “Be clean, and immediately, the leprosy left the man, and he was cured” (Mk. 1:42). In this verse, Jesus not only shows us the authority and healing power of His word. He is also telling us that every time we invoke God’s word, we too have the authority to cast out demons from our life, heal sickness, and ease pain, sorrow and disappointment. We have within us, the capacity to invoke peace and prosperity, and to release mercy and compassion in our daily encounters with people.  Our word for the month reminds us: “Disciples of Christ speak with authority by the power of God’s word.”

After healing him, Jesus sent the leper away with a strong warning: “See, that you don’t tell this to anyone.  But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them,” (Mk.1:43-44).  Jesus knew He had other places to go to, so that the Word of God may reach others. He was also aware of and respected the Law of Moses that everyone who received healing, must seek the high priest to attest to their healing. However, because of the leper’s excitement, he inadvertently disobeyed Jesus, loudly and joyfully proclaiming to everyone that he had been healed. Consequently, Jesus’ purpose of reaching other people was now hindered by the leper’s disobedience.

We are not unlike the leper, ourselves. For example, when we receive financial blessings, our tendency is to elevate our lifestyle instead of increasing our level of giving or generosity, so that others, too, may be blessed. Mercy and compassion are forgotten. We seem to forget how, when in need, we plead for Jesus to heal us. Once our prayers are answered, we forget and harden our hearts. Remember that our Order for the month is… “Harden not your heart” (Ps. 95:8a)

Today, the equivalent of going to a high priest is our going to the Eucharist as our way of acknowledging and expressing our gratitude to the Lord for the healing mercy and compassion He lavishes upon us daily. And as we leave the church, may we be blessed with a merciful and compassionate predisposition, paving the way for the Word of God to come alive and become active in us, allowing us so speak with authority to those we encounter along the way.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, many times I fail to understand your command. Sometimes, I consider them too difficult, even impossible to accomplish.  Cause me now to listen and obey, and to trust You and be a good witness of your mercy and compassion.  Cause me to speak Your Word with authority so that others may receive your healing and draw closer to you with a grateful heart.

Reflection Questions:
1. Where do I see myself in this Gospel narrative?
2. How do I treat people I come in contact with in my daily life, especially those not in community?
3. What do I do to attain, or be worthy of God’s promise this week: “Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered.” (Ps 32:1)

This Week’s Daily Mass Reading Guide:
February 15, 2015 (Sun)      Lv 13:1-2,44-46/Ps 32:1-2,5,11/1Cor 10:31-11:1/Mk 1:40-45
February 16, 2015 (Mon)     Gn 4:1-15,25/Ps 50:1,8,16-17,20-21/Mk 8:11-13
February 17, 2015 (Tue)     Gn 6:5-8;7:1-5,10/Ps 29:1,2,3-4,3,9-10/Mk 8:14-21
February 18, 2015 (Wed)    Jl 2:12-18/Ps 51:3-4,5-6,12-13,14,17/2Cor 5:20-6:2/Mt6:1-6,16-18
February 19, 2015 (Thur)    Dt 30:15-20/Ps 1:1-2,3,4,6/Lk 9:22-25
February 20, 2015 (Fri)        Is 58:1-9/Ps 3-4,5-6,18-19/Mt 9:14-15
February21, 2015 (Sat)       Gn 9:18-15/Ps 25:4-5,6-7,8-9/1Pt 3:18-22/Mk 1:12-15

“Ignorance of the Bible is ignorance of Christ.  Read your Bible daily!”

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