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Thursday, January 15, 2009

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Hebrews 3:7-14
Psalm 95
Mark 1:40-45

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the approachable for the untouchable

"A leper approached Him with a request." —Mark 1:40

Lepers were obliged by the law to stay away from people so as not to spread leprosy. Lepers had to live in isolated places and warn anyone who unknowingly got near them that they were unclean (Lv 13:45). The leper of today's Gospel does just the opposite; he approaches Jesus. Jesus also does the unthinkable by stretching out His hand and touching the leper (Mk 1:41).

Jesus is approachable no matter what our condition. Jesus will never reject us no matter who we are, what we've done, or how we look (Jn 6:37). Most people have a form of spiritual leprosy. Inside, many of us feel dirty, ugly, leprous. We would not tell anyone about this for fear of being rejected by everyone. However, we can take these shameful things to Jesus.

We can "come as we are" to Jesus so we don't "stay as we are." He will forgive our sins and heal our leprous condition.

Prayer:  Jesus, may I go to Confession as soon as possible and be healed.

Promise:  "We have become partners of Christ only if we maintain to the end that confidence with which we began." —Heb 3:14

Praise:  Rhonda makes a determined effort to seek out the marginalized in a group and reaches out to them with God's love.

Reference:  (Presentation Ministries' Discipleship Retreats equip you to imitate Christ in His character and mission. Discipleship Retreats offer an opportunity for people to receive healing and be formed as disciples of Jesus through study of the Church's teachings and the Bible in the context of the Sacraments and Christian community. Visitors experience a holy ambience in the rural surroundings, regular prayer life, simple meals, and much opportunity for silence. Call 937-587-5464 or 513-373-2397 for information and to request a schedule of events.)

Rescript:  †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, June 17, 2008

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