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 John 11:35 — “Jesus wept” — the shortest verse in Scripture, yet one of the most profound, revealing the tender heart of Christ, who enters into our sorrow with compassion, love, and tears, reminding us that God is not distant from our suffering but present within it.

Father Anthony recommends that we recite Psalm 100 to express our joy and gratitude to the Lord.