January 7, Friday Christmas Weekday

Praise the Lord, Jerusalem. — Psalm 147:12

Mass Readings: 1 John 5:5-13 / Luke 5:12-16 

Best Laid Plans 

The first part of today’s Gospel is a simple and beautiful tale of a man asking God for something and receiving it. A leper pleads with Jesus to make him clean. When Jesus stretches out His hand and touches him, “the leprosy left him immediately” (Lk 5:13). Then things get complicated! Jesus tells the man not to tell anyone about the healing but instructs him to show the priest that he is clean, as the Law requires. Sure enough, the news gets out. Crowds descend on Jesus and He withdraws to a quiet place to pray.  

Life is usually like that. We want to keep things simple but complications ensue. We shouldn’t be surprised. Even Jesus’ plans fell apart.  

Prayer: Lord Jesus, my plans are tangled. I want to rest in You.