In this weekend’s Gospel (Mk 1:40-45) Jesus tells the healed leper to say nothing about the miracle that was preformed. This seems strange at first because you would think Jesus would want everyone to know he was God incarnate, and share the Good News. I wonder if he attempted secrecy because he knew the intention of those who would follow would change.
The leper believes in Jesus himself, but many of those who follow would just believe in the miracle. In the same way someone would follow a snake oil salesman. We should keep this in mind when we pray. It is ok to ask God for what we need and want, but we should be going to prayer because we believe in the Trinity. Not because we just want something to magically happen.
Many of us will look at picking up a new devotion this Lent. When you do this, find something that will increase your relationship with the Lord, not just something you do out of obligation. There is nothing wrong with doing things out of obligation. I take the garbage out each week so my wife doesn’t have to. Yet, I don’t think she would be happy if on Valentine’s day I just gave her a card that read, “You are welcome for the last 52 trash days.” I think that God would also like a little more from us. Like Valentine’s Day, let this Lent be a way to grow in your relationships.
Happy Valentine’s Day and God bless you,
Paul
