Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 11, 2024

For three weeks we have been following Jesus early ministry as told by Saint Mark. Following his baptism and call of disciples – the first 3 acts we see him doing are acts of healing: man with a demon, Simon Peter’s mother-in-law, and the man with leprosy.

Jesus came into this world with authority and power. He has set out immediately making people whole and putting things right. And He put things right where people lived and worshipped in synagogues, in the home, and now on the road. He went to them.
Remember, Jesus last day – what I have done is give you an example. As I have done, so must you do. I did not come to be served, but to serve. As the Father has sent me, so I send you.

Who are the Lepers today? Do we recognize the outcasts among us? Some are easily identifiable by their clothes or smell, but others are hidden from us.
Many of our elderly live in isolation from the rest of us, alone at home or abandoned in nursing homes.
Families become isolated when someone is in hospice care. Couples quit inviting widows to parties.
We should be moved with pity and restore the lonely and outcasts back into our community. To assure that no one lives in exile, we must reach out. We must be imitators of Christ. This Lent we should be moved to pity as Christ was.

“It is not permissible for anyone to remain idle.”