in this way you will give to them your testimony.” However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But
even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from everywhere.

Lection Divina:

READ: A leper dared to approach Jesus for healing. His prayers were
answered with a strict warning that he does not mention the incident to
anyone. He was also enjoined to fulfill the law that he submit to the inspection
of the priests so that he would be declared clean. But he sang the praises of
Jesus instead thereby making it difficult for Jesus to go openly to any town,
or remain anonymous even in rural areas.

REFLECT: When the leper’s audacity brings healing, Jesus gives him a set
of instructions on what to do. All of these he did afterwards except one, the
prohibition not to tell anyone of what happened. As soon as he leaves, he
sings the praises of Jesus so much so, that the latter could not move openly
in the land. Many seek Him to benefit from His miraculous capacity to heal
people. This is very true even in our present time. People could not contain
the good things that God does in their lives. They have to share and proclaim
it to others. That is why, those who have nothing to say on how good the
Lord is to them do not understand their lives. Or perhaps are insensitive to
the presence of God in them. The cured leper is a joyful fellow. He believes
and gets the cure. His praise and thanksgiving comes from a grateful heart
that has experienced God’s loving kindness.

RESPOND: We need to sing the goodness of God in our lives. But first we
have to be aware of them. So why don’t we sit down today and reflect on
the many wonderful blessings that God poured in our lives and start sharing
about them to anyone and everyone. Let it be joyful and energetic. For to
whom God bestows His loving kindness, life flows back in full vigor.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2021