Friday of week 12 in Ordinary Time
Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4In today’s Gospel, a man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus with deep humility and confidence: “Lord, if you want to, you can cure me.” Jesus immediately stretches out His hand, touches him, and replies, “Of course I want to! Be cured!” These words reveal the heart of Christ. Jesus does not hesitate before human suffering, nor is He indifferent to our wounds. He desires our healing—body, mind, heart, and soul. The leper’s greatest obstacle was not only his disease but also the isolation and rejection it caused. Yet Jesus breaks every barrier by touching him, restoring not only his health but also his dignity and place within the community. The same Lord continues to approach each of us today. He sees the hidden wounds we carry: our sins, fears, broken relationships, discouragement, and inner loneliness. His desire is not to leave us imprisoned by them, but to heal and restore us. Our part is to approach Him with the same trust as the leper, believing that His will is always directed toward our true good. The Gospel assures us that Christ’s love is always a healing love. He wants us to be cured so that we may live in the freedom and fullness of life that God has prepared for His children. Let’s reflect: Do I truly believe that Jesus desires to heal every wound in my life, and do I approach Him with the humble trust to let Him touch and restore me?
Don Giorgio