2 Kings 5:14 Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of Elisha, the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy.
2 Timothy 2:9c The Word of God is not chained.
Luke 17:17-18 Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not?” Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
The first reading and the gospel refer to leprosy, once a dreaded disease for which there was no cure. Up to modern times lepers not only suffered from their disease, but they also suffered emotionally, spiritually, and mentally as they were shut off from the rest of society to live their remaining days in separation from beloved family and friends in impoverished conditions. Lepers were in a desperate situation. Therefore, the healing our Lord brought was an unexpected and tremendous blessing. The same miracle happened to Naaman in the Old Testament, once he came to faith.
It is not difficult to see that the real leprosy is sin. Sin does to the soul what leprosy once did to the body. Serious sin can alienate a person not only from God, but also from those who love Him most, besides having negative emotional, spiritual, and mental effects. The mess that contempt for God and others brings continues to break many hearts. And it all seems un-necessary since there is a cure in the Savior Jesus Christ, who washes away sin through Baptism and the Sacrament of Penance, and brings healing with forgiveness. Our Lord never tires of performing this miracle in people’s lives. He never wishes that we wallow in the darkness of sin, but that we come into the light of his love. For these saving and amazing graces we must always give thanks, especially at the Holy Eucharist, the Sacrament of Thanksgiving.
A guarantee that we have is well expressed by St. Paul when he says that “the Word of God is not chained.” No matter what, the power of the Lord’s death and resurrection remain. There is the unalterable New Testament, the Gospel, all for us. Though we may try to negate God’s love, we cannot destroy it or silence it. God’s promises cannot be suppressed. The Truth is eternal and absolute; it never changes; it cannot be redefined, erased or negated. God will make all things work toward the good come what may. Even if men and women are determined to put God out of the picture, He will continue to prevail in His triumph of Love. That is undeniable. Therefore, in spite of our worst, God will always come forth with His best, most clearly demonstrated in Jesus Christ, our Divine Lord and Savior. Jesus remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. Let us serve Him all our days.
At Fatima in Portugal on October 13, 1917, 102 years ago, Our Lady appeared to the three shepherd children for the last time. Her first appearance was on May 13, 1917. In order to make public her messages, she brought about what is called “The Miracle of the Sun.” The sun began to fall from the sky and then returned. Thousands witnessed this supernatural event. This miracle confirmed the message of the Gospel: repent and be saved. Our Lady asked us to pray the rosary daily and to do penance for the conversion of sinners. She spoke of herself as Our Lady of the Rosary. In our church this scene is depicted in the stained glass window in the former choir loft. This window is a work of art, because the natural light flows through it into the church. It is always a vivid reminder to us that the abundant light of God’s love and grace flows freely and lavishly into our hearts and lives. Let us come to her on bended knee.
Yours in her Immaculate Heart,
Fr. Mark G. Mazza, Pastor