The Gospel presents a man described as “full of leprosy.” Not partially wounded. Not mildly afflicted. Completely sick. And yet this is the man who is healed — because he approaches Jesus correctly. Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC, explains that Scripture reveals three responses to spiritual leprosy. The first is pride: refusing to see one’s own sin while accusing everyone else. This leprosy cannot be healed because it denies the wound. The second is despair: seeing the sin clearly but believing mercy is impossible. This leprosy turns inward and never reaches the Physician.

Father Anthony reflects on the verses of Matthew to remind us that even little actions can manifest God’s grace in our daily lives.

Father Anthony uses the story of Abraham’s obedience to God to encourage us to have faith in God’s plan when he is calling us out of our comfort zones.