Healed to live in the fruits of the Spirit

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In today's gospel we hear how a man with leprosy fell down before Jesus and implored him, '' Sir, if you want to you can cure me.'' Jesus stretched out his hand saying, ''Of course, I want to! Be cured.'' And the leprosy left him at once. But was the man just asking for a physical cure for his dreadful disease? He was very aware that his illness was the major obstacle to his relationships with his family and friends. He was forced to live in isolation even shouting, ''Unclean, unclean,'' as a warning to people who were approaching him. When Jesus cured him, he was at last free to return to a social life with other people and especially with his family.

 

Fortunately we are not suffering from leprosy, but we often have problems in our relationships with other people. St Paul in Galatians 5 gives us a frightening list of what he calls the works of the flesh. He mentions, '' Enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissentions and envy'' as causes of our difficulties with each other. ''If you wish you can cure me, Lord, by helping me to live in the fruits of the Spirit which are love, joy, peace, kindness, gentleness and self-control.'' You know what I need, Lord, but help me to see it so that I may live in respect and friendship with all those who surround me.