Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Sunday Mass - Feb 14, 2021 - Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Fr. Scott Donahue
Share :

Homily Video

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time Homily Transcript

>>I recently had a dear friend of mine and actually a friend of Mercy Home diagnosed with COVID-19. We all know what that means and how devastating this virus has been for all of us. Life has changed. The world is different. Because of the virus. It’s called us to reflect on our own lives and certainly to pray for one another and for the good of this world in which we live.

 

When he was diagnosed he had noticed that he had lost his smell and his taste and he got a fever and got the chills. He experienced fatigue. He said that the symptoms were very difficult. And filled, of course, with anxiety and with fear. But he said the worst part of going through, dealing with the virus was the isolation. Being alone. Being unable to be in close proximity to others. Being unable to shake a hand, or to accept an embrace. The loneliness was the most difficult part for him.

 

You know, in the time of Jesus leprosy was a terrible, terrible disease. In fact, the tradition was that if you were diagnosed with leprosy the priest would take you to the edge of the village. He would pray over you – the prayer of the dead. And then you had to go off and live on your own, or live in a leper colony. You lost your family. You lost your livelihood. You lost the ability to go to the synagogue. Everything was lost.

 

And here, Jesus encounters a leper and rather than avoiding or staying away we’re told that he actually touches the leper and brings healing into his life. Jesus actually gives the leper his life back. Because with the cleansing and with the healing, the leper is able to go back to home. To family. To synagogue. And to work. Jesus restored his life with compassion and love.

 

I mentioned, we celebrate Valentine’s day today. We think of the heart. We think of the heart of mercy. We think of the sacred heart of Jesus. We think of the healing touch of Jesus, bringing hope to others.

 

As disciples of the risen Lord, we too are called to do the same. To bring hope and healing and the love of Christ to others.

Readings

First Reading:

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46

Second Reading:

1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1

Gospel:

Mark 1:40-45

Give now to support Sunday Mass

Donate

Discover More

Request Sunday Mass Guide

The Sunday Mass Guide sent to your home address

Spiritual nourishment and updates from the Sunday Mass community

Monthly reflections from Fr. Scott Donahue, our Principal Celebrant

Fill out your information