6TH SUNDAY HOMILY, ORDINARY TIME – YEAR B
THEME: “IF YOU WANT TO YOU CAN CURE ME”
BY: Fr. Cajetan Anyanwu
This is the 6th Sunday in ordinary time (Yr. B). During COVID 19 most people were Quarantined, Isolated and almost abandoned. Wearing face Mask became a new fashion across the globe. Even till today mask is still being won by many for protection. Such was the case among the Jews during the time of Moses and Aron. Leprosy was a contagious disease. A leper was Isolated and while going along the road he was required to shout, unclean, unclean, unclean. Those going along the same route would hide themselves to avoid contamination. A leper cannot live close to others. “As long as the disease lasts he must be unclean; and therefore he must live apart; he must live outside the camp (Lev. 13:1-2. 44-46). A leper was an outcast by then.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: SUNDAY HOMILY, 6TH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME / YEAR B
Only the priest can declare a known leper clean. This means that before a leper is declared clean, the priest must have examined him thoroughly and carefully carried out the ritual of cleansing on the leper. This reminds us that sin is contagious. It disrupts the functions and activities of God’s people and their community. The sinner should approach the priest for confession and absolution. Confession makes the repentant sinner fit to rejion the community of the faithful. There is joy in heaven over one repentant sinner. This is why Paul says: “Whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God ” (1 Cor. 10:31-11;1).
Today Jesus has proved to us that he hates sin but loves the sinner. He wants the sinner to repent and live. “A leper came to Jesus and pleaded on his knees: ‘If you want to you can cure me’, Feeling sorry for him Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him. Of course I want to, , Be cured” (Mk. 1:40-45). To touch a leper makes one exposed to leprosy. Jesus touched the leper to show us that he loves everyone equally. He told the cleansed leper to go and show himself to the priest who will declare him cured. By this, Jesus acknowledged the functions of the priests. Let us welcome one another as Jesus welcomes everyone. May we be cured. Happy Sunday.
FOR SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE >>>