Mark 1:40-45 New American Bible

Mark 1:40-45 Bible Gateway New International Version

Curing a Leper

A leper was a person who had a skin disease. His body would be covered in sores that bled and watered with yucky liquids. No one wanted to be near them. No one knew a way to cure the disease. When one particular leper heard about the healing of Simon Peter’s mother in law and how Jesus had cast out demons in people, he had faith that Jesus could cure him, too.

He knelt down in front of Jesus and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out his hand and touched the leper. He said, “I do will it. Be made clean.”

Then the leper was made clean. His skin was smooth. There was no broken skin, and no sores of any kind.

Jesus asked the leper not to tell anyone. Imagine how hard that would be. Friends and family would see the difference and ask questions. If it were you, wouldn’t you want to tell everyone you saw. “Look at me. I am clean. Praise be to Jesus Christ who did this for me.”

Every time ask God for forgiveness, he cleans our souls just as Jesus did the skin of the leper. Each time we forgive others as God forgives us, we are cleaning off the slate and giving people a new beginning with us. We are sharing what God has given us. When we share God’s love and forgiveness, we cleanse our bodies and our souls. This loving forgiveness heals our bodies, minds, and souls.

Every morning when we wake up, God is giving us another chance to share his love with other people. Ask others, “Is there something I can do for you today? May I help you fold clothes, Mother? May I help you clean out the garage, Dad? Would you like for me to help you learn to ride your bike, Sister? Brother, do you want help making that kite? Grandma, do you want help putting on your jacket? Grandpa, may I help you wash your car? Friend, would you like me to play your favorite game with you? This can be your way of thanking God for the love he has given you.

It is truly amazing how much love and help comes back to you when you most need it. God furnishes your needs lovingly.

Say the “Our Father” and ask God to show you how he wants you to share the love he has given you. Look in the mirror, you are a beautiful child of God with many gifts to share with others. God loves you very much and thanks you for helping spread his love around the world.

“Our Father, who art in Heaven,

Hallowed be Thy name.

Thy kingdom come.

Thy will be done,

On earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day, our daily bread.

And forgive us our trespasses,

As we forgive those who trespass against us.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.