When my right femoral bone was fractured, the doctor told me that I needed to undergo surgery to be able to walk again. The news devastated me because I thought I could no longer do the normal things that I usually do every day. I was also afraid that I would be sent out from the seminary because of it. However, people around me unceasingly encouraged and inspired me to fight and not fall to despair. They prayed for me, and I gained hope and confidence to trust even more in Jesus’ healing power. I felt that I was not alone in this battle. My friends, my family, and the seminary community were there, pleading to Jesus for my healing. With fervent prayer, I speedily recovered from that difficult situation. I was healed. Indeed, Jesus hears our pleas.

There is always a healing experience whenever we seek Jesus in our lives. In our Gospel, a leper approached Jesus, did him homage, and prayerfully asked Him to make him clean. Then Jesus, with great mercy, stretched out his hand, touched him, and healed him.

Jesus receives and heals everyone who comes to Him in sincere faith. He is ever ready and willing to respond to our needs. No matter how terrible our condition and how great our necessity, we will obtain mercy, healing, and grace from Him. We only have to strengthen our faith and put our total trust in the Lord because, in Him and with Him, nothing is impossible.

By: Sem. Roldan B. Baliano

Today’s Gospel

Mt 8:1-4

When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.
And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I will do it. Be made clean.”
His leprosy was cleansed immediately.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one,
but go show yourself to the priest,
and offer the gift that Moses prescribed;
that will be proof for them.”