This reflection draws its story from Matthew 8:1-4 (also in Mark 1-40-45, Luke 5:12-16)
This is the story of a certain man with a dreaded disease. There are many miracles that Jesus worked but this story is singled out because of the dialogue involved. The copy of the story/verse below is culled from www.biblegateway.com – and the text is in the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE)
Jesus Cleanses a Leper
8
When he came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him;2 and behold, a leper came to him and knelt before him, saying, “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” 3 And he stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.[a] 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you say nothing to any one; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a proof to the people.”[b]
I am moved by this story because it reveals the heart of God towards man; in other words, the Will of God for Man.
Firstly, I would like to state that some other bible versions translated the lepers statement as “Sir, if you want to, you can make me clean”. And Jesus’ statement as “I do want to, be clean”. Now, regardless of the translation, the meaning is same.
Next, I would ask, was the leper tempting Jesus or insulting him? Was he convinced of Jesus’ ability to heal him or was he just trying his luck? There are many questions that come to mind in this brief dialogue.
Sir, if you want to – If it is your will…you can make me clean. No, it can’t be. The man with the dreaded disease was tied of his circumstance and was ready to take his chance. Jesus had worked several miracles and the leper was hoping for a solution. He was sure of Jesus’ power to heal but he didn’t know if Jesus would be willing to solve his problem. He had to rely on the master’s compassion; on the master’s will to solve his problem.
The leper had faith in Jesus’ power to heal but was not sure of Jesus’ will to heal him!
Surprisingly, Jesus stretched his hand to touch the leper before making his pronouncement. “I will, be clean/I do want to, be clean” The will of God towards us is that of love and perfection. The will/desire to solve our problems and the action is instantaneous, sometimes even before we ask.
Out of love God showers his mercy, compassion and grace on us. It is God’s will that we are perfect. And God’s says to you today, “Of course I want to / Yes I will, receive your perfection; get your healing; get the perfect solutions to your problems”. Jesus’ desire to heal the Leper in the gospel is also evident that we need to ask: and we shall receive. And more importantly, we must ask according to God’s will and the response would marvel us.
May God give you the grace to come to him and may God touch you and solve your problems today and always, amen!
Points to note:
The man came to Jesus – Are you ashamed to come and present your prayers to God?
The leper knelt down to make his request – Do you humble yourself in prayer?
The man asked in accordance to the will of the master – Have you learnt to ask in accordance to the will of God?
“Lord, if you will, you can make me clean” – This is a statement of faith and total dependence on God’s will!
Jesus touched the man and healed him – When God touches your life you can never remain the same, do you desire God’s touch today?
Jesus told the man to show himself to the priest and do the needful – God understands that traditions and laws have their purpose even if they appear not to be necessary. He is a God of order!
Jesus said “See that you say nothing to any one…” – Jesus, with all his power, is not a show-off , are you a show-off, with the little power/position you possess?