January 12, 2023, Thursday of the 1st Week in Ordinary Time-A
Hebrews 3:7-14
Psalm 95
Mark 1:40-45
“If you wish, you can make me clean”. Mark 1:40
Lord, today we listen to the prayer of an unnamed leper. This man’s petition expresses a confident faith that nothing is beyond your power. Even a horrible skin disease, thought to be a deadly condition, can be made clean by your willing it. This story reminds me of the angel’s words to your mother Mary: “Nothing is impossible for God.” You not only removed this man’s death sentence but you restored his life so he could return to his family, community and his church. Lord, help me to pray with the confident trust of this man. Bring me to believe that no situation or condition in my life is too much for you. No disease too deadly, no relationship too broken, no financial state too desperate. And no sin unforgivable. I kneel at your feet, dear Jesus, and surrender to your will. I am confident that whatever your will for me is-I’m OK with it. After you restored this man to a full life, you took his place in exile: “Jesus remained outside in deserted places.” (Mk. 1:45) Thank you for hearing my prayer. Amen.