Catholic Reflections - Thursday 15 January 2026, Thursday of week 1 in Ordinary Time, Mark 1:40–45

Short Reflection:

The Cleansing Touch of the Divine Faith

This passage from the Gospel of Mark recounts a transformative encounter where a man suffering from leprosy approaches Jesus with an appeal for healing. Demonstrating profound compassion, Jesus breaks social taboos by physically touching the man and instantly curing his ailment. Although instructed to remain silent and follow Mosaic Law by reporting to a priest, the man instead publicises the miracle far and wide. This widespread fame eventually forces Jesus to avoid urban centers, seeking refuge in remote areas to manage the overwhelming crowds. The text highlights both the restorative power of Christ and the tension between private messianic identity and public ministry.

Long Reflection:

Catholic Reflections – I Will; Be Clean

Date: Thursday 15 January 2026

liturgical

Liturgical: Thursday of week 1 in Ordinary Time

Outline:

• Opening prayer

• Gospel reading (paraphrased for easy listening)

• Reflection on Jesus’ compassion, healing touch, and obedient faith

• Key points for discipleship

• Concluding prayer

Gospel – Mark 1:40–45 (paraphrased):

A man suffering from leprosy came to Jesus and begged Him for help. Kneeling before Him, he said with trust, “If You will, You can make me clean.” Jesus was moved with deep compassion. He reached out, touched the man, and said, “I will; be clean.” Immediately, the leprosy left him and he was made clean.

Jesus then sent him away with a firm instruction: he was not to tell anyone, but first to go and show himself to the priest and make the offering prescribed by Moses—so that his cleansing could be officially recognised.

But the man went out and began speaking freely about what had happened. The news spread so widely that Jesus could no longer enter towns openly. Instead, He remained in lonely places, and people came to Him from everywhere.

Key Points:

1. The courage to come close

The leper approaches Jesus despite shame and exclusion. Faith moves toward Christ even when we feel unworthy.

2. “If You will…” — humility and trust

The man trusts Jesus’ power and surrenders to His will. True prayer holds both confidence and surrender.

3. Jesus touches the untouchable

Jesus’ compassion is not distant. He reaches out and restores dignity, showing that nothing unclean can contaminate His holiness—His holiness heals.

4. Healing calls for obedience

Jesus’ instruction points to humility, right order, and respect for God’s law. Gratitude should include obedience.

5. The cost of mercy

Because the news spreads, Jesus is pushed to the margins—out in desolate places. He bears inconvenience and isolation so others can be restored.

Concluding Prayer:

Lord Jesus,

when we feel ashamed, excluded, or “unclean,”

give us the courage to come to You.

We believe You can heal us;

help us also to trust Your will.

Reach out Your hand to us, Lord.

Touch what is wounded,

cleanse what is sinful,

and restore what is broken.

Teach us obedient faith—

not only to receive Your mercy,

but to follow Your guidance with humility.

And make our lives a quiet witness to Your compassion,

so that others may come to You and be made whole.

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Tags: Catholic, Ordinary Time, Mark 1, Leper, Healing, Compassion, Jesus Touches the Untouchable, Cleanse Me, Obedience, Faith, Mercy, Desolate Places, Discipleship, Daily Gospel, Prayer, Catholic Podcast, Catholic Reflections