In today’s reading, we find a man suffering with a painful and (at the time) incurable disease. The effects of leprosy were severe and evident to all. Those who suffered from it endured not only physical pain but isolation from their families and communities. When Jesus healed those with leprosy, he showed that his power could overcome even this affliction.

The presence of Jesus was good news to the man with leprosy. Sim- ply because the Lord was there, the man rediscovered hope – some- thing he had lost long before. ‘Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean,’ was his cry. His lying prostrate on the ground showed his deep suffering and sorrow. And the man had reason to feel that way. But at the same time, he believed that Jesus could heal him.

This remains good news for us today. In the presence of the

Lord, we can always hope. Whatever problems, pain or issues we bring to him, Jesus has the power to make us whole.

Prayer: Dear God, thank you for your healing power in our

lives. Grant us strength in the face of life’s challenges. Amen

Thought for the day: I can find hope for healing in Jesus.