SIXTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME (B)

READINGS AT MASS

Lev. 13:1-2, 44-46

Psalm 32

1cor.10:31-11:1

Mark 1:40-45

Theme: OUTSIDE THE CAMP

Dear friends in Christ, N'wokafu YESU KRISTO...

The readings of today, the sixth Sunday in ordinary time, call on us to reflect on the extent to which the leprosy of sin separates us from GOD (the camp of God) and deprives us of our humanity and dignity. 

The First Reading narrates the miserable condition of a leper under the Law of Moses. Such a leper was isolated from the community to live outside the camp. The law says "He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp..." (Lev. 13:46).

Leprosy puts a full stop to the leper's life and business in the world. It cuts him off from socializing with friends and loved ones, and shuts him out from the sanctuary. In short, the said person loses his human dignity. 

In the Gospel, we hear the powerful prayer that a desperate leper addressed to Jesus Christ. "IF YOU WISH, YOU CAN MAKE ME WHOLE..." (Mark 1:40). This was a prayer of someone who was tired of living outside the camp of God. It is a fervent wish of Jesus Christ to bring all those condemned to life outside the camp of God back into the camp. "I DO WILL IT. BE MADE CLEAN" He says.

Beloved in Christ, The leprosy of sin shuts us out from the the camp of God and from His sanctuary. His glory goes far from us, life becomes empty and miserable. We must turn to Jesus Christ in humility so that he might make us whole and clean again. 

PRAYER

Almighty ever-loving Father, I stand outside the "camp of your grace" with the "leprosy" that keeps me away and prevents me from entering your presence. If you wish, Lord, you can make me whole again. Amen.

May God bless you.

-Rev. Fr. Kenneth Debre

Sunday, February 11, 2024.

Holy Rosary Parish, Hohoe