From the Gospel according to Mark. Mk 1:40-45
A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said,
“If you wish, you can make me clean.”
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched the leper, and said to him,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.
Then he said to him, “See that you tell no one anything,
but go, show yourself to the priest
and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed;
that will be proof for them.”
The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter.
He spread the report abroad
so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly.
He remained outside in deserted places,
and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
The Gospel of the Lord
Once again
One of the most profound wonders of our Catholic faith is the opportunity for cleansing and starting afresh. It is the spectacular miracle of Confession. It seems unbelievable that some people do not confess regularly to partake in this miracle. The sanctifying grace is restored, accompanied by an additional grace that strengthens the faculties of the soul. Obviously, thereafter, one must engage in a path of purification, also relying on grace; otherwise, one will inevitably return to the same cycle.
Another remarkable wonder is that we are called, as spouses, to mutually forgive each other. This is essential for the survival of a marriage. Restore dignity to your spouse so that they can embark on a new beginning and praise God.
Applied to Married Life:
Clare: I had already confessed, the Lord had forgiven me, and it was an immense relief, but until you forgave me and reconciled with me, I did not regain my peace. I need reconciliation with you to be well.
John: I need you very much too. When you are distant, I am not well. I need to feel united with you, and when there is resentment in your heart, I lack life.
Clare: Indeed, because to truly forgive, one must genuinely love. And I genuinely love you.
Mother,
The Lord cannot resist when we need Him and approach Him with faith. Grant us more faith, Mother.