Jesus could have healed the leper from afar, yet He chooses to come close and touch the man and then commands him to show himself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses prescribed. This is similar to what we’re called to do in recovery. We are invited to seek and show ourselves to God, self, and another human being in Step Four and Step Five, becoming transparent, vulnerable, and receptive to God’s healing grace and power. And in response to this healing, we are called to then offer our lives and hearts to God and others by living sober, clean, and free.

The leper gives us an example of how to reverently approach Jesus in humility, honesty, and dependence. And he also gives us an example of how we should encounter the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, whispering quietly each time, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean” (Matthew 8:2).

Reflection Questions

• How have you approached Jesus for help and in what specific ways have you experienced the healing touch of Jesus from active addiction, compulsions, and unhealthy attachments?
• In what specific ways do you respond to God in gratitude for the gift of life, healing, and recovery? Can you respond to Jesus in the Eucharist with gratitude today?

Daily Mass Readings

First Reading: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4

Reflection by Marybeth B.