Reading: Luke 5.12-16 NLT

In one of the villages, Jesus met a man with an advanced case of leprosy. When the man saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground, begging to be healed. “Lord,” he said, “if you are willing, you can heal me and make me clean.”

Jesus reached out and touched him. “I am willing,” he said. “Be healed!” And instantly the leprosy disappeared. Then Jesus instructed him not to tell anyone what had happened. He said, “Go to the priest and let him examine you. Take along the offering required in the law of Moses for those who have been healed of leprosy. This will be a public testimony that you have been cleansed.”

But despite Jesus’ instructions, the report of his power spread even faster, and vast crowds came to hear him preach and to be healed of their diseases. But Jesus often withdrew to the wilderness for prayer.

Prayer: Lord Jesus – help me to trust you in all things… and especially with my health – physically, spiritually and emotionally. And in the midst of all my stuff, remind me to take time out… just to be with you. Amen.

Hymn: “Take Time to be Holy” – William D. Longstaff (ca. 1882) (YouTube)

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Note from The Peanut Gallery: You may already realize that the “Daily Readings” are taken from a slow reading through the <em>”Gospel of Luke.”</em> Upon completion, my intention is to continue reading through <em>”Acts of the Apostles”</em>… since it continues the story begun in the Gospel. The idea is to reflect first on what Jesus said and did… and then on what those who followed him said and did.

On Sundays, however, I will return to lectionary readings from the USCCB Daily Readings… since many churches follow the same lectionary readings.