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.

Jesus once said, “Among those born of women no one has arisen greater than John the Baptist.” Fr. Anthony Gramlich, MIC, shares some details of the life of this amazing saint, who is celebrated on June 24.

Fr. Andy reads from Matthew 2:13-18, the Gospel reading for Sunday, December 28, 2025.