6th Sunday, Year B: Homily by Fr Justin Adiele
THEME: “IMITATING THE COMPASSION OF JESUS TOWARDS THE SICK”
INTRODUCTION
Today being the 11thof February is World Day of the Sick. Today, we remember in our prayers all those suffering and isolated from us because of various illnesses; we also remember their caregivers, hospital and health workers who take care of the sick, that God in his compassion for the sick may send them grace and healing from above and keep their faith, love and joy of living alive. We do this because we are aware that no one, no family, no nation is totally immune to sickness; this channel of prayer and divine mercy should remain open for all.
Today, we marvel at the spectacle of the miraculous healing of a leper by Jesus, but the real spectacle is the compassionate heart of Jesus towards the sick and the plight of the troubled humanity which drove him to continue to move around doing good. Instead of many trying to fake and stage healing miracles today, we are called to imitate the compassionate heart of Jesus who wills for our bodily and spiritual good health or wellbeing.
THE FIRST READING (LEV. 13: 1–2. 44–46)
The first reading condemned the leper to dwell alone, isolated in his or her bodily suffering; and consequently out of sight for the people’s care, love, and support. It takes a compassionate heart to remember, seek or help them to alleviate their pain and suffering. As indicated in the first reading, the leper, likewise all the sick, are consciously or unconsciously, partially or totally avoided or forgotten. But Jesus has come to change this old faulty narrative by elevating care of the sick to a sacrament and rich/edifying corporal work of mercy.
THE SECOND READING (1 COR. 10: 31–11: 1)
In the second reading, St. Paul urged us to give no offence to anyone; the Jews, Greeks, the Church of God; and we can add the sick as well. In other words, find no one offensive and undeserving of your love and kindness; try to please (help, serve, pray) all men, not excluding the sick, the leper, the poor, the suffering and the isolated or forgotten.
THE GOSPEL READING (MK. 1: 40–45)
In the gospel reading, we saw a leper a total stranger begging Jesus to heal him if he so wills. First, we praise Jesus for moving around the city corners and making himself available to be seen and approached by the sick and the needy. Second, we praise Jesus for his ardent desire and compassion for the sick to get well and never remain in his isolated and suffering condition. Jesus healed him not for cheap popularity, for he warned him not to tell anyone about his healing except the priest. But the man broadcasted his healing testimony that Jesus could no longer move freely through the cities.
CONCLUSION
Dear people of God, we are called today to learn from the compassionate heart/will of Jesus at the plight of the sick and those who seem to be isolated in their problems, pains and suffering. We should learn to make ourselves available to assist the sick and the needy but never to make a show out of it, but to the glory of God. And we must learn to develop a loving concern/option for the sick, the poor, the oppressed and the needy which go beyond family, tribal and territorial lines, towards all men as St. Paul made us understand today. Let the sick around us feel the warmth of our compassion, concern and care for them today and always and put up a smile and wish to keep living!
Happy Sunday!
Fr. Justin