*** 1st Reading ***

Hebrews 3:7-14

Listen to what the Holy Spirit says:

If only you would hear God’s voice today! Do not be stubborn, as they were in the place called Rebellion, when your ancestors challenged me in the desert, although they had seen my deeds for forty years.

That is why I was angry with those people and said: Their hearts are always going astray and they do not understand my ways. I was angry and made a solemn vow: They will never enter my rest.

 So, brothers, be careful lest some of you come to have an evil and unbelieving heart that falls away from the living God. Encourage one another, day by day, as long as it is called to­day. Let no one become hardened in the deceitful way of sin. We are associated with Christ provided we hold steadfastly to our initial hope until the end.

 

Ps 95:6-7c, 8-9, 10-11

If today you hear his voice, harden not your hearts.

 

**** Gospel ****

Mark 1:40-45

 A leper came to Jesus and beg­ged him, “If you so will, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. 

As Jesus sent the man away, he sternly warned him, “Don’t tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the priest and for the cleansing bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way you will make your declaration.”

 However, as soon as the man went out, he began spread­­ing the news everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural areas, people came to him from every­­where.

 

Gospel Reflection

The leper did not hesitate to ask the Lord for healing. His condition did not make him ashamed or timid in front of God. This confidence in His mercy moves Jesus to respond in the same way.

As the leper draws near, Jesus extended His hand in healing. Miracle is a dance between God and His creature. We must move forward to God in great faith and trust while God moves toward us in kindness and compassion. When Creator and creature meet and touch, the latter is brought back to wholeness.