1ST READING
Someone afflicted with leprosy is isolated from society because the disease is infectious. Sin does exactly the same thing in our spiritual life. It separates us from God and we are unable to come into His presence. As long as there is sin in us, we live apart from God. Let us turn away from sin and return to our merciful Father.
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2 “If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants, 44 if the man is leprous and unclean, and the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head. 45 “The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ 46 As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”
P S A L M
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11
R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R) 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. (R)
2ND READING
Let us make glorifying God a way of life. Seeking and basking in self-glory is an obstacle to our pursuit of holiness. Recently there was an athlete who claimed immortality because he was the fastest runner in the world. But remember that his life, his talent — and ours, too — are gifts from God. Let us remember that without God, we can do nothing.
1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1
31 Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 32 Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, 33 just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
GOSPEL
The leper, whom Jesus miraculously healed, could not wait to tell the world of his healing. This is his way of giving the glory to God — giving credit where credit is due. It was Jesus who healed the leper; the leper did not heal himself. It is incredibly important for us to grasp this truth because Jesus forgives our sins. We do not deserve His forgiveness, but as in the case of the leper, Jesus chooses to forgive out of love and compassion for us.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
A great prophet has arisen in our midst, God has visited his people.
Mark 1:40-45
40 A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” 41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” 42 The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. 43 Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 44 He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 45 The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
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