5,061 total reads
Gospel Reading for January 09, 2026 – Luke 5: 12-16
INVISIBLE BOND
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was; and when he saw Jesus, he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I do will it. Be made clean.” And the leprosy left him immediately. Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but “Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but he would withdraw to deserted places to pray.
————
Never in the bible is it mentioned that Jesus refused to heal someone sick who came to him. Jesus, ever compassionate, will always heal those who come to him. And those who came to him were so sure they would be healed. There is that INVISIBLE BOND of faith between the healer and the one needing to be healed, hence, a miracle is bound to happen.
His popularity was too much, and understandably so because there never was anyone in the whole of Israel who performed such mighty acts. Perhaps it overwhelmed him too, that’s why he needed to withdraw to deserted places (away from the madding crowd) to pray, to connect with his Father.
It is not enough for us to be healed physically. Most important healing is that of our soul/spirit. Even if our bodies are so healthy, but our soul/spirit is sick, we will be just EXISTING in this world, but not LIVING.
Today, is a big day for the Nazarene faithful. Thousands of people will be queuing up for the big procession. Most of them have a “panata” to attend the event every year. Most of them have a very special request. A lot of them are praying that by joining the procession, they will be healed of all ailments.
We pray that those joining the procession will be able to experience God’s love and compassion and be healed of spiritual illnesses, so they may find strength to start the new year full of hope and share God’s love with others!