Connect Not Discriminate

    

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

11 February 2024

 

First Reading: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46

Responsorial Psalm: Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11

Second Reading: 1 Cor 10:31-11:1

Gospel: Mt 1:40-45

 

Reflection

By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores

 

Leprosy as described in the Bible is a contagious disease that caused people living with it be isolated from the society. Up until now, though leprosy is already curable, the stigma remains.

It was in 2015 when I was enlightened about the illness after being the staff assigned on the partnership between the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and Philippine Leprosy Mission, Inc. It is the discrimination that impacts the life of the leper more than the complication of the disease.

Our First Reading and Gospel for this Sunday show us the clear picture of the suffering a leper has to endure because of his state of uncleanliness. Moved with compassion, Jesus made the leper clean so he may be reconnected with his community.

On February 14, Valentine's Day is Ash Wednesday, and we will officially begin the season of Lent. Let us examine ourselves, our lives, our relationships. What are the circumstances that we tend to discriminate others? When was the last time we are moved with pity to help our fellow human being? In this age of modern connectivity, can we actually say that we become more connected with one another?

Inspired by Jesus' example in today's Gospel, may we empathize with the people suffering from discrimination. Let us embrace and love our neighbors regardless of their illness, status, physical looks, beliefs, or ideologies.

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, help us to end any form of discrimination made worse by our selfishness and indifference. May You open our eyes to see the reality, our ears to hear the silent suffering, our hands to welcome those in need, and our hearts to love especially those already forgotten by the society. All these we ask in Your Mighty Name, Amen.