There have been some changes the last couple of days at work. I’m sitting in a different part of the building that has windows with an outside view (wooHoo). Making a space clean that has been unused for the last 22 months takes a little time. It looks clean but once you start the process more is uncovered that needs to be cleaned or restored to right order.
In today’s Gospel there are three little words that challenge me to uncover more: be made clean. The Scripture tells of a man full of leprosy who fell prostrate before Jesus pleading, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean. Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I will do it. Be made clean.’”
The leprosy was gone because of those three simple words and a touch of Jesus’ hand. Jesus’ love and compassion cured a man whom society branded an untouchable outcast due to the leper’s personal or hereditary sin or spiritual corruptness. The Messiah, our Lord God, is the only one who can make a person fully clean, be it in body, mind or spirit.
I surely can clean an office, my clothes or clean up my act. I do, however, absolutely need divine intervention as I do these tasks and every other kind, too. Really; I am not being flippant or sarcastic. Every aspect of who I am needs to be made clean as I am human.
When it comes to keeping tasks, habits or deep seeded feelings or reactions to certain situations, thoughts or people, and in the loving and just relationship with God I am to maintain through my baptism and teachings of the Catholic faith, I need the Holy Spirit and the sacraments to help me be made clean.
What I have done throughout the day, week, or since I last went to confession and what I have failed to do offends my heavenly Father. I am so very thankful that before I receive Communion I pray,
‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof; but only say the word, and my soul will be healed.’ I need to remember to ask the Lord to stay in my heart, my thoughts, my words and my actions throughout the day. I want to be clean in all aspects of my life.
Beth Price is part of the customer care team at Diocesan. She is a Secular Franciscan (OFS) and a practicing spiritual director. Beth shares smiles, prayers, laughter, a listening ear and her heart with all of creation. Reach her here bprice@diocesan.com.
Feature Image Credit: Oliver Hale, https://unsplash.com/photos/oTvU7Zmteic
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