1/15/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reading: Mark 1:40-45

40 A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.”
41 Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.”
42 The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.
43 Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once.
44 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.”
45 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.

1/15/2026 (Thursday) Today’s Gospel reflection / homily / sermon: Mark 1:40-45

The encounter between Jesus and the man suffering from a severe skin disease unfolds as a quiet yet powerful moment early in Jesus’ ministry. The man approaches with humility and courage, fully aware of the social and religious barriers that separate him from others. His condition has isolated him from community life, stripped him of dignity, and labeled him as untouchable. Yet he dares to come close, expressing deep trust that healing is possible if Jesus is willing. In response, Jesus does something astonishing. He draws near to someone everyone else avoids. In that single act, compassion triumphs over fear, and mercy over social boundaries.

This story speaks clearly to the many forms of “leprosy” that exist in our modern world. Today, people are still isolated—not always because of disease, but because of poverty, mental health struggles, addiction, past mistakes, disability, or social stigma. We often keep a safe distance, unsure, uncomfortable, or afraid of being inconvenienced. Yet Jesus shows us that true compassion requires nearness. He does not heal from afar to protect His reputation or comfort. He engages fully, reminding us that love is not theoretical. It is personal, courageous, and sometimes costly.

The healed man’s reaction also carries an important lesson. Overwhelmed by joy, he shares his story everywhere. His excitement is understandable, but his actions unintentionally create challenges for Jesus’ public ministry. This part of the story reminds us that even good intentions need wisdom. In our eagerness to speak, post, or react, we sometimes forget the importance of discernment and obedience. Faith is not only about enthusiasm; it is also about listening carefully and responding responsibly.

In today’s context, this challenges how we share our faith and our stories. Social media allows us to broadcast instantly, but not everything needs to be shared immediately or publicly. Sometimes the most faithful response is quiet obedience, integrity in daily life, and consistent compassion behind the scenes. True witness is not measured by visibility but by faithfulness.

This passage also invites us to reflect on how we see ourselves. Like the man who approached Jesus, many people carry deep shame, feeling unworthy of help or acceptance. The good news is that Jesus does not recoil from our brokenness. He meets us where we are, sees beyond labels, and restores dignity along with healing. Whether we are struggling with guilt, exhaustion, fear, or a sense of failure, we are invited to come honestly and trust that grace is available.

Finally, this story calls us to action. We are challenged to be people who move toward the hurting rather than away from them. In workplaces, churches, schools, and neighborhoods, there are those longing to be seen and touched by compassion. This might look like listening without judgment, offering help without conditions, or standing beside someone others have given up on. When we do this, we continue the work of healing, not just bodies, but communities.

The healing story of the man with leprosy reminds us that compassion has the power to restore lives and reshape society. When mercy guides our actions, barriers fall, hope rises, and the love of God becomes visible in the most practical and transformative ways.

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