6th Sunday of the year B
Theme: God loves us all
Readings: Leviticus 13:1-2.44-46 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1 Mark 1:40-45
Today is the 6th Sunday of the ordinary time of the year B, and the world celebrates Valentine’s Day. A celebration of love, selflessness and hope; a celebration that presents us with the opportunity to re-evaluate our relationship with both God and our brothers and sisters. This celebration is in line with the readings we have for this Sunday, especially the 2nd reading and the gospel.
The first reading from the Book of Leviticus, presents to us the situation of lepers during the time of Jesus. Their situation could be likened to one suffering from the corona virus, if not worse. They are isolated and left outside the city where other members of the community are not found. They are said to be unclean and are avoided by the people.
But in the gospel of St. Mark, Jesus changed the narrative, by breaking the barrier between a lepros person and a healthy person. The lepros man came to Jesus in humility and faith; saying, if you will you can make me clean. Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand and touched him, and said be clean. He was immediately restored to good health. The action of Jesus shows great love, unlike the usual experience of people avoiding one with leprosy. In the same way, we are all encouraged to stop creating walls and build more bridges that will help for healthy human relationship amongst us as people of God.
Interestingly, after healing the man with leprosy, Jesus warned him not to let the people know that he was responsible for the healing. But the man was too excited to keep the good news away from the people. The action of Jesus, challenges ministers of the word in our own time. Jesus was running away from the publicity that will come as a result of his healing power; while in our own time, miracles are publicised to increase the number of those who attend our ‘miracle centres’ instead of church.
In the 2nd reading, St. Paul admonishes us to live a life that glorifies God. A life that is selfless and pleasing to God our father. This means a life of sacrifice and service. We are encouraged to be conscious of this fact in our daily lives.
Let love guide all our actions at all times. May God grant us the grace to live a life that is founded on love, all the days of our lives. Peace be with you. Amen.