Three things we can see from the gospel story today. First,
a humble attitude. A leper said to Jesus, "If you want, you can purify
me". This shows an attitude of utter humility and submission. The leper
does not demand to be healed, but he pleads with great humility.
Whether in personal prayers, we always demand that our
prayers be answered. Are we patiently waiting, or vice versa -
demanding that those prayers be answered quickly by God? In my personal reflection
on prayers, I experienced that God first granted my need which was once my
wish. Each of my prayers also requires my real effort and action to make these
prayers come true. If I just simply say a prayer and ask for a miracle, it might be longer than expected.
Second, love. The love that Jesus taught transcends all
boundaries, both physically and mentally. Today we celebrate Valentine's Day.
The question is: Is it only on February 14th that we share our love with one
another? Aren't we obliged to have compassion towards each and every one? Not
only because we are Catholics, but because of our nature as humans, believers,
and creatures who are interconnected and complement one another.
Third, human nature after receiving what they want is often
ungrateful. After being cleansed, Jesus advised the leper not to make Jesus'
name public. Maybe Jesus didn't want to be famous or known by many people. It
also shows a great attitude on humility. He doesn't like showing off. The leper
does not know how to be grateful and appreciate the message of Jesus. Instead,
he spread the name of Jesus publicly and as the consequence Jesus couldn't
enter the city openly.
Sometimes we can't keep secrets very well. We like to spit
things that are really our privacy and affairs. We sometimes get too involved
in the affairs of other people's lives without realizing the many positive
things that those people have given us. We may take the advice given lightly.
We become indifferent and only seek advantages from others. We tend to choose
friends who give us material and monetary benefits, and think that those who
are not in the same direction with us are enemies to beat. In fact we can pray!
We can actually learn from those we look down on – those underprivileged or
even from people who are not in line with our mindset.
We learn from Jesus to get along with anyone, also to help
people with problems. We also learn from the person who was cleansed from leprosy
to know how to be grateful, how to protect the good names of others. Keep them
private - it is not to be vomited in public!
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