The readings from this Sunday’s Mass emphasize a change from the old ways of dealing with uncleanliness and sin. The First Reading details what was to be done with a leper:

As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean,
since he is in fact unclean.
He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.

The good news is that Jesus changes the way we treat those with unclean spirits. He heals them. Hear the faith expressed in this Sunday’s Gospel Reading:

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

It would suit us well to approach Jesus with the same kind of faith. When we work the Second Step, we are asked to come to believe that God can restore us to sanity. Motivated by the findings of a thorough First Step, we put our faith in Him and seek to do His will.

This is the movement of the Church—to make disciples of all nations, healing in the name of Jesus Christ and proclaiming the gospel. When we remain too inward-focused as a Christian community, we lose the essence of our mission.

Pope Francis calls for a radical re-imagining of how the local church can serve as a field hospital while inviting us to show concern for the wounded. This is how recovery works—by leaning on each other to share hope and considering the needs of those who need help.

Last week, Saint Paul challenged us to become weak to serve the weak. To do this, we simply share what it was like for us, what happened, and what life is like now. We can speak with authority when offering our experience, strength, and hope. Recalling the past is different than dwelling on the past. The former brings connection with the newcomer and keeps the memory of our deliverance fresh. The latter keeps us stuck in shame and discounts what God can and will do.

If you are wounded, seek help. If you’ve been helped, seek the wounded.

Reflection Questions

• Reflect upon and describe your experience of the Catholic Church serving as a field hospital after battle.
• How do you relate to the desperate plea of a leper speaking to Jesus in this Sunday’s Gospel Reading?
• What are you doing to answer the call of discipleship and the imperative to share a message of hope with others?

Sunday Mass Readings

First Reading: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1
Gospel: Mark 1:40-45

Printable General Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Family & Friends Recovery Meeting Reflection
Printable Lust Recovery Meeting Reflection

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