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Save your life


June 28

Gospel
Matthew 10:37-42
Anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it

Jesus instructed the Twelve as follows: ‘Anyone who prefers father or mother to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who prefers son or daughter to me is not worthy of me. Anyone who does not take his cross and follow in my footsteps is not worthy of me. Anyone who finds his life will lose it; anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.
    ‘Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me; and those who welcome me welcome the one who sent me.
    ‘Anyone who welcomes a prophet will have a prophet’s reward; and anyone who welcomes a holy man will have a holy man’s reward.
    ‘If anyone gives so much as a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple, then I tell you solemnly, he will most certainly not lose his reward.’

Reflection

- In this encounter, the leper’s honest plea, “if you want to, you can cure me,” mirrors a human confession of need before divine power. Jesus’ immediate response—touched with compassion and a clear yes—reveals that God’s desire is to heal and restore, not to withhold mercy. The healing is both physical and relational, restoring the leper to community by obeying *Mosaic law* and offering the prescribed sacrifice. The story invites us to name our own needs boldly before Jesus, trusting in his compassionate willingness to heal, while also recognizing that God’s plan may involve steps of faith, purification, and communal restoration.

- Jesus’ act of touching the unclean man breaks social and ritual barriers, illustrating that mercy precedes ritual boundary. The instruction to reveal the miracle through the priestly offering demonstrates obedience and a humble witness to God’s mercy within the community. Our faith is lived out in concrete actions: reaching out in love, seeking healing, and giving testimony to God’s mercy in everyday life.

- A personal takeaway: trust in Jesus’ willingness to heal, even when we face social or personal barriers. Allow his touch to bring cleansing, and respond with faith-filled obedience that points others toward God’s saving work.

Question for reflection

- When have I like the leper questioned Jesus’ willingness to heal, and how can I cultivate a posture of trust that Jesus desires to heal me and restore me today?

Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank you for your compassionate willingness to heal and restore. Help me to approach you honestly with my needs, to trust in your healing power, and to follow your guidance in ways that witness to your mercy. Break any barriers of fear or doubt in my heart, and lead me to share your transformative mercy with others. Amen.

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