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Last year, something happened to a friend of mine in a place where some 60 people were present. Over the next few weeks, people who had heard about it (including strangers and those from other parts of the city) approached me with questions. Word had spread so far and fast, yet all it took was the sharing of a few witnesses!
On display here is our natural desire to share news and stories. Just imagine what might happen if this enthusiasm were to be applied to the sharing of Jesus, the Good News, with others? Today’s Gospel displays the impact.
A humble leper approaches Jesus with faith; Jesus heals the man. Jesus then warns him not to tell others because, at this point, such sharing would impede Jesus’ ability to minister openly in certain areas. Yet, the leper’s life is so changed that he cannot contain himself. His witness moves others to run to Jesus in droves.
Jesus’ invitation to us now is unlike the exhortation made to the leper: we are called to witness freely. God’s will is for many to draw close to him. So it is that when Mass ends, we are sent to witness to the gospel by our life. May our eucharistic Lord fill us with all the grace we need to share the good news of Jesus with others.