If You Wish, You Can Make Me Clean

Though he was aware of his status as an outcast from the society, the leper believed that Jesus had a power to grant his humble request and, without a second thought, he manifested his appeal to Jesus as he said, “if you wish, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40); indeed, Jesus met his plea with merciful and compassionate response as Jesus touched and healed the leper without any ado.

The healing scenario presented by Saint Mark was very simple but the message was outstanding: Jesus listens to a humble prayer regardless of social status (ref. Mark 1:40-45).

Despite knowing his messianic capacity, Jesus ordered the healed leper to go and show to the priest as Jesus acknowledged the authority of the priest to perform the ritual of purification provided for by the Law of Moses (ref. Leviticus 14).

The gospel shows the significance of our priests today in the anointing of the sick as the Church celebrates the World Day of the Sick on the Feast of the Our Lady of Lourdes.

The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick gives favor to the sick and the elderly to enjoy the mercy and compassion of Jesus, the Messiah, through the intercession of Mama Mary, our Lady of Lourdes. Amen. (Vonz M. Hijada, MAT, OLLP SoCCom)