Gospel

‘Immediately the leprosy left him.’
A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
Luke 5:12-16

While Jesus was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, ‘Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.’ And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, ‘I will; be clean.’ And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one, but ‘go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.’ But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

The Gospel of the Lord

A Testimony to You

Lord, Your works testify to You and who You are. Your Law surpasses the law of Moses, which could not cure Miriam of her leprosy. That leper carried Your testimony to the priests in the temple, for You are greater than Moses, and Your Sacrifice surpasses those offered in the temple for purification under Moses’ law.
My testimony of Your work in me is tarnished by areas of my life where I fail to bear witness to You. Yet Your testimony is definitive. That is why You came into the world—because only You could bear true witness. Thank You, Lord.

Applied to Married Life:

Jonathan: A leper in contact with a healthy person spreads their disease. But You, Lord, purify everyone You touch, because Your goodness is stronger than my sin. In contact with You, You heal me. Today, Lord, I have fallen again, and once again, You want to cleanse me. Tomorrow, I will bear witness to You before those who doubt that You are the Son of God, the Saviour.
Amelia: What would have become of that leper if he hadn’t borne witness to You, Lord? What would he have deserved? I, too, want to bear witness to You, Lord, because Your work in me deserves to be known by many so they may believe. May Your Sacrifice bear abundant fruit for the salvation of souls. Count on me, Lord. Even if I feel ashamed, even if it seems I lose my dignity when others learn of the misery You’ve forgiven in me. I believe You deserve more. I believe honour and glory should return to You. Count on my testimony, Lord, for the salvation of many marriages.
Jonathan: Count on my testimony, Lord, for the salvation of many husbands.

Mother,

May we be messengers of God’s love through our testimony. May we be courageous, because the Sacrifice of Your Son is worthy. Praise be to the Lord, who works the miracle of forgiving us and granting us His grace every day. Amen.