Leviticus 13:1-2.44-46; Psalms 31(32); 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1; Mark 1:40-45
Restoration
Dear friends, today is the sixth Sunday in Ordinary time year B. We are now going to suspend this learning period and enter into a more intense Lenten season beginning this Wednesday. Lent is a period of reflection and contemplation upon the cost of our salvation that our Lord Jesus incurred for our sake. We are also invited to accompany Jesus in his journey to Calvary making it our own. It is time to slow down and see how we have been performing with our faith so far. It is a time to repent and reconcile all that we may have broken on the way.
I would like to theme our reflection “Restoration”. Restoration means to bring something back to its previous state if that state had been interfered with or damaged. When we wash our clothes, we are restoring them to their clean state. When we go to see the doctor and take medicine, we are restoring our health to its normal state. When we say sorry to someone we have wronged we are trying to restore our relationship to its normal state. Many live in a state of brokenness because they are unwilling or are prevented by circumstances from seeking restoration. Do you need restoration in your life today?
In the first reading, we hear about the instructions God gave to Moses about those who contracted the contiguous disease called leprosy. Due to its highly infectious nature, those who contracted it were sent away from the camp to an isolated place to protect the rest of the community. The lepers themselves were strictly ordered to tear their clothes, leave their hair unkempt, and cry out “unclean” as they passed by, to alert others. Just imagine if we were to do that with our sicknesses such as Asthma, HIV, UTI, COVID-19, gossip, envy, etc. The lepers would remain isolated until they were cured and certified by the high priest. Only then they would be restored to the community.
Our normal state is that which God intended for us which many have lost in different ways and circumstances. To be restored to our “normal” status is something very consoling. How many people wish they could be restored to their normal status today? Are you in your normal status today? Broken families wish they could live like they did before. The couple wishes they could live like they did just after their wedding. Those with terminal illnesses wish they could get back on their feet and continue with their normal businesses. Orphans wish their parents would be restored to life. People with broken friendships wish they could be friends again. The list can go on. What would you wish was restored in your life or the life of someone you love?
One way that we can find restoration is through forgiveness; forgiving and being forgiven. The psalmists tell us if we confess our guilt and do not hide it, the Lord will be compassionate to us and restore us. Again, Apostle Paul is urging us to stay without offense towards anyone and always seek the best for everyone. Can you imagine how life would be if everyone sought the good of the neighbor and worked hard for it? Many of us have memories of the past when things were better than they are today. In one of my reflections, I alluded to how we used to borrow from the neighbor anything including cooking pots, fire, salt, etc., and they would do the same. Neighbors used to seek the good of one another. What went wrong that we no longer live like that?
Jesus came to restore what was broken in the world. Because of sin and disobedience, our relationship with God was severely damaged. We strayed away from our Father and were not able to come back by ourselves without help – we were too ashamed. The prophets tried their best to talk us into repentance but their words fell on deaf ears. Some were assassinated for warning the people against injustice and sin. The healing of the leper in today’s Gospel is very symbolic. Jesus breaks the barrier that was created to segregate the lepers from the community. Jesus did not run away when the leper approached and knelt before him. He listened to his plea and taking pity on him, he restored his health. Jesus wants to restore us but we have to approach him and present our petition. He will not reject us. Mother Teresa of Calcutta left us a wonderful example of caring for the sick, especially the lepers. She often said that though the terminally ill may not get better, at least they could die in a loving and caring environment.
Dear friends, we have a lot to learn from the actions of Jesus today. Let us be a little more considerate towards those who suffer any kind of illness. The predicament of your neighbor today may be yours tomorrow. If you are in an almost hopeless situation right now as you read this reflection, I want to urge you to look deep within you Jesus is right there with you. Give him a chance and he will restore you.
Have a blessed Sunday
Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD
SVD JAMBO KENTAN 