“If you wish, you can make me clean,” a leper begs, down on his knees in front of Jesus, for a cure for his dreaded leprosy disease. Moved with pity, Jesus responds, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The man’s body is cleansed by his fervent act of faith, and he goes out and announces the event to all.
Although instructed not to spread the news of his remedy, the leper’s joy overwhelms any directed obedience, and he cannot keep the miracle to himself. His belief in Jesus’ healing power generates an appreciation and elation that must be shared; it must be proclaimed.
And so is our belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ upon receiving him in the sacrament of Eucharist. Our faith sustains us to believe that the bread and wine that we consume are the body, blood, soul, and divinity of Jesus Christ. It is the loving will of our God that the transubstantiation is brought about. And like the leper, we, too, beg to be made clean of all our sins and ailments. We confess that we are not worthy to receive the Lamb of God but that his word alone suffices to heal our souls. We believe. We are forgiven. We are healed. We partake in the communion of heaven and earth. May we, just like the leper, be overwhelmed by the saving grace of our God and proclaim our joy and appreciation when we respond “amen”.
Prayer:
Lord God, we humbly thank you for your constant willingness to forgive, bless, and grace us with your love. With each Eucharistic celebration, we may become more of what we receive so that your kingdom may reign on earth as it reigns in heaven.