The readings for this homily: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/011526.cfm Why would God allow Israel to be defeated even while the Levites were carrying the Ark of the Covenant before the army into battle? And why would Jesus heal a leper — then sternly command him to tell no one? In this homily, Fr. Mark Baron, MIC, brings these unsettling questions together and shows that they reveal the same spiritual danger: presumption.

Fr. Anthony reflects on Mark 1:40-42, where Jesus heals a leper with a simple yet powerful response: "I do choose. Be made clean." No matter how broken or burdened by sin we may feel, Christ is always ready to heal us. Learn how to approach Him with trust and receive the cleansing mercy He longs to give.

On Sept. 8, the Catholic Church celebrates the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God! This feast day is celebrated exactly nine months after the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception on December 8.