Reflection for June 26 Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time: Matthew 8:1-4

Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.  

His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

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Reflection:

Who is this leper who courageously approached Jesus and begged for His healing?

We do not know his name, background, or story, but one thing is certain: he believed in Jesus. He must have heard about the healing power of the Lord and treasured the hope that one day he, too, could experience that healing touch. Deep within his heart was a longing to encounter Jesus personally. So when the opportunity finally came, he did not hesitate. With faith, humility, and hope, he approached the Lord.

Like the leper, we too have heard about the wonders that Jesus can do in our lives. We have heard testimonies of His mercy, His compassion, His healing, and His transforming power. The question is: What do we do with what we have heard? Do we remain passive and content from a distance, or do we actively seek Him with hearts that hunger and thirst for His presence?

The leper, though rejected and considered an outcast by society, refused to let his condition keep him away from Jesus. His illness did not become an excuse to stay where he was. Instead, it became a reason to draw closer to the One who could heal him. He courageously sought a personal encounter with his Savior and Healer.

How often do we allow our own struggles, fears, disappointments, sins, or weaknesses to keep us from coming to the Lord? Yet Jesus continually invites us to come to Him just as we are. He does not turn away those who seek Him with sincere and humble hearts. His compassion is greater than our brokenness, and His mercy is deeper than our wounds.

Whatever sicknesses we may carry—whether physical, emotional, mental, relational, or spiritual—let us bring them before the Lord with faith. Let us kneel before Him in humility and trust, believing that He hears our prayers and knows the deepest needs of our hearts. The same Jesus who welcomed the leper still welcomes us today. The same Jesus who healed then still has the power to heal now according to His perfect will.

Are we willing to step out in faith like the leper, leave behind whatever keeps us distant from Jesus, and humbly approach Him for the healing, grace, and transformation that only He can give?—Marino J. Dasmarinas