The Sixth Sunday of Ordinary Time

Dear brothers and sisters, in the experience of prayer, we often come to the Lord with a list of needs that we require. “Lord, I need this and that because I am this and that.” We almost dictate to the Lord, expecting Him to grant our requests according to our plans. It seems as though we leave little room to surrender ourselves to the will and plan of God. When our prayers seem unanswered, we come to the Lord and say, “Please, Lord, I need this and that. Please answer my prayer.” Yet, perhaps the Lord has already answered our prayer and blessed us in a different form, but we may not realize it.
Beloved brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel teaches us the attitude of humility in prayer. It is related that a man with leprosy came to Jesus, begging Him and kneeling, said, “If you choose, you can make me clean.” Leprosy was not an ordinary illness. Those suffering from leprosy not only endured physical pain but also psychological distress. Leprosy was considered a contagious and impure disease. This Sunday’s first reading illustrates how those with leprosy were treated—they were isolated, marginalized and shunned by society. Even in such a desperate situation, the man with leprosy did not impose his will on Jesus. He surrendered himself to His will and gave Jesus the freedom to choose. And Jesus also had an extraordinary response, saying, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Jesus truly understood the needs of the person and with His words alone, the man was made clean.
Beloved brothers and sisters, today’s Gospel invites us to reflect: “Do I have humility in my prayers? How am I developing humility in my prayers?”
Bro. Henri Suharyono, SCJ