MASS READINGS:

A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke 5:12-16

It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.

REFLECTION: "Be made clean.”

Do we want to be a blazing fire of Love? With Jesus in us we are to be people of desires and achievements. We cannot let the world control where we are going, nor to dictate what we are to be. We seek God in many ways but do we seek to flourish in His love? Do we allow God to cultivate us, feed us, water us and place us where we are to bloom?

It is very hard to break bad habits. Some bad habits give us immediate pleasure but in the long run they do not give us stronger or healthier bodies or souls. How does the "leprosy" in our lives--our pride, jealousy, sloth, laziness, selfishness, murmurings and bitterness--help us be on fire for God?

As with all that is good, we have to work on it--work on our relationship with God and ask Him for all the gifts He has to give you. “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He won't hold back on these gifts, but we need to let Him work in us. May we hear His answer, "I do will it. Be made clean".

Seek positive friends, watch good and christian movies, volunteer with your talents and treasures and pray frequently-- spend time before the Blessed Sacrament. Praying this election year that our babies will be protected, our priests will flourish, and that we will be good, strong, loving warriors for the Kingdom of Heaven.

God Bless You