LEAP TO GLORY

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Today’s Readings:

Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46

Psalm 32:1-2,5,1

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Mark 1:40-45

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Leprosy was once the deadliest disease in the world. It is contagious, disfiguring and terminal. Those who contracted it were ostracized from their communities and were as good as dead. But there is something far deadlier. Sin can destroy both body and soul in hell (Matthew 10:28). Sin creates scandal (causes people to lose faith in God), disfigures (people cannot see God in you) and is deadly (you risk the loss of your soul). Jesus can cure the leprosy of sin and heal every form of sickness and brokenness (Matthew 8:17). Are you willing to be healed or do you relish your injuries?

The leper in today's Gospel took steps to be healed:

• He Recognised his helpless state,

• Found a solution in Jesus,

• Approached Jesus for help,

• Submitted to Jesus' words of healing,

• Received healing,

• Went about spreading the Good News.

As you stretch out your hands to Christ today, may healing and total deliverance be yours through the same Christ our Lord. An encounter with Jesus leads to glory. To share the fruit of this encounter with everyone is the key to lasting joy and peace. Take a leap to glory before you are called to glory. St Paul says - "Whatever you eat, whatever you drink, whatever you do at all, do it for the glory of God. Never do anything offensive to anyone." (1 Corinthians 10:31). It is not enough to live a sinless life—your life ought to affect others positively. Otherwise, it is infecting them negatively. Are you conscious of how your way of life is influencing and affecting others? God will surely hold you accountable for anyone you have given a wrong example and He will reward every good work you have ever done.

This is the period of Lent. Use the season to detach your heart from the things you feel you cannot do without. Make this year's Lenten season a time of atonement for your sins (in thoughts, words, actions and omissions), pray for peace in the world and a complete change of heart for yourself (no gree for the devil!). May God deliver us from every evil desire. May God set up His throne of holiness (truth and justice) in our hearts and fill us with the joy we so desperately seek from people and things through Christ our Lord. Amen.

                                                                                                JUDE-MARY OWOH

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To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: 

Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I believe and surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank You, Lord!  If you said the above short prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident reverend, pastor or priest.

Prayer:

1. Holy Father, set up your throne in my heart, heal me of malice and selfishness and fill me with truth and a desire to do what You command for my joy and salvation now and forevermore. Amen.