Today’s Gospel Reading in the Missal of the Catholic tradition is such a powerful lesson in how to be a steward of God’s talents and remain a faithful servant. Here Jesus gives a master-class in servant leadership, and teaches us (a) how to use our talent (willingly and with great generosity to help others), (b) to remain humble and discreet even when great things happen as a result of our interventions (not to publicize our good deeds), (c) to re-integrate or re-connect those whom we help back into their community so that they will not be ostracized or be treated as oddities, (d) to be self-aware of our own humanity (and limitations) even as we become more powerful, important or famous, and finally (e) to regain our sense of balance, inner-self and to find time and space for prayer, reflection and thanksgiving.

Luke 5:12-16 ‘if you want to, you can cure me.’

Jesus was in one of the towns when a man appeared, covered with leprosy. Seeing Jesus he fell on his face and implored him. ‘Sir,’ he said ‘if you want to, you can cure me.’ Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said, ‘Of course I want to! Be cured!’ And the leprosy left him at once. He ordered him to tell no one, ‘But go and show yourself to the priest and make the offering for your healing as Moses prescribed it, as evidence for them.’  His reputation continued to grow, and large crowds would gather to hear him and to have their sickness cured, but he would always go off to some place where he could be alone and pray. Scripture readings from the Jerusalem Bible are published and copyright © 1966, 1967 and 1968 by Darton, Longman & Todd, Ltd and Doubleday, a division of Random House, Inc.

• *See also this reflection “go show yourself to the priests”

Lumix G85. Nishizaka Hill, Nagasaki 2019.