February 12, 2012, 6th Sunday in Ordinary Time
February 12,2012 Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Given by Bishop Blaire at the Cathedral of the Annunciation
When Jesus touched the leper he healed him from what was considered an uncleanness at that time. It was, of course, a physical malady.
There is much that is unclean in today’s world, and we can look at it from a moral perspective. Jesus can heal this uncleanness and does so through the ministry of his Church – the body of Christ in the world. Our mission as a Church is to touch the world with the love and healing power of God that comes from Christ. When we bring the love of God and the goodness of God into the world we make the world a better place and we help people to grow as human beings and deepen their humanity, which has been redeemed by Christ.
This past Thursday evening I attended a wonderful event entitled “Empowering Young Women.” I was very impressed with how the young women of St. Mary’s High School, supported by their faculty and women leaders in the community, addressed what it means to be a woman and how to realize their full potential. In particular they pointed out how so many ads in the fashion magazines demean the woman by simulating gang rape, imaging the woman on drugs, and portraying the beauty of the woman as if it is was only external, often presenting a bodily image that most could never achieve. The program at the school and the evening event emphasized that beauty comes from within and that they command in their very person respect for who they are and what they are able to accomplish in life. An assembly was also held at St. Mary’s for the young men presenting the adolescent male becoming a young man who respects himself and women.
The evening brought home to me how each of us can make a significant difference in the world. We can, through Christ who lives in us and acts through us, bring love and healing into the world. When we respect ourselves, we respect our bodies. When we respect others, we respect their bodies and their person. Beauty comes from within and expresses itself in how we relate with others. God is within each of us.
The student body president of St. Mary’s High School, an excellent student, a soccer player, and the kicker on the boy’s football team spoke and moved everyone to tears when she told about her father being in prison and the effect it has had on her and her family. She works with other young people who also have a parent in prison to help them see that they can make something of their lives. They do not have to fall into ways that will end them up in prison also. This is what I am talking about when I say that we can bring healing and love into the lives of others.
Jesus, moved with pity, stretched out his hand, touched the leper, and made him clean. We can do the same.
Bishop Stephen Blaire