February 14 - One Bread, One Body
February 14, Sixth Sunday Ordinary Time
Cycle B Readings:
1) Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
1 Corinthians 10:31 — 11-1
2) Psalms 32:1-2, 5, 11
Mark 1:40-45
My leprosy
''A leper approached Him with a request, kneeling down as he addressed Him: ' If You will to do so, You can cure me.' " — Mark 1:40
Leprosy in the New Testament is sometimes symbolic of such spiritual conditions as unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, resentment, hatred, self-hatred, and other sins.
Leprosy can appear as a scab (Lv 13:2). A scab is a wound that has closed and is beginning to heal. Scabs often itch. We are tempted to pick at them, re-open the wound, and lose the healing already received. Are you “picky”? Are you itching to say something to a certain someone? Don’t pick at your wound. Turn to Jesus to continue to heal your leprous scab.
Leprosy sometimes appears as a pustule (Lv 13:2). A pustule is a type of growth caused by an infection. A pustule contains an infected liquid called pus, which must be drained in a sterile way so as not to cause more infection. A pustule has increasing pressure on it to come to a head and expel its pus. Are you infected with sin? Will you infect others? Do you feel mounting pressure to spew out your pus, venom, or poison? Jesus felt this way on the cross, but He poured out love rather than hate. Turn to Jesus to heal your leprous pustule.
Leprosy can appear as a blotch (Lv 13:2). We could think of it as an allergic reaction. Are there certain people, statements, or circumstances which cause you to “break out” in fear, anxiety, defensiveness, confusion, or anger? Let Jesus touch your leprous blotches and their causes (see Mk 1:41).
Only Jesus heals lepers. We are leprous. We need Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may I let Jesus touch me where I hurt and fear the most.
Promise: “Whether you eat or drink — whatever you do — you should do all for the glory of God.” —1 Cor 10:31
Praise: “We are the most pitiable of men” (1 Cor 15:19). Yet Your Resurrection gives us hope. Praise You, Jesus!
Rescript: In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from February 1, 2021 through March 31, 2021.
†Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2020.
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.