In the Gospel of Mark 1:40 – 45, Jesus cures leper. In a homily we heard a story about Servant of God Fulton Sheen touching a leper and offering a sign of unconditional acceptance. We recognize our own need to be touched and healed by God. The following prayer practice is an opportunity to identify our needs and the needs of others in prayer.

1

Hold a cross or crucifix in the palm of your hand or trace the sign of the cross on the palm of your hand with a pen.

2
Pray with that cross on your hand remembering Jesus’s healing of the leper and Bishop Sheen’s experience.

3
Pray for the areas of your life where you need healing.

4
Pray for others who need a healing touch of God and ask the Lord what action you can take to heal them.

May your prayer – touched by the cross of Christ – bring God’s healing embrace to you. May your fear be changed into courage, your unforgiveness transformed into compassion, and your brokenness be healed by the grace and light of God’s touch.

Reflection I

• Before reflecting on the Holy Family image breathe deeply and remember that God is closer to you then you are to yourself.

• As you prayerfully look at the image of St. Joseph and the Holy Family what is the first thing that holds your attention. Which person? Which color?

• Describe the image verbally as if trying to conjure it for a person who could not see it but would benefit from a description of this lovely domestic yet Holy scene. This practice will help you to see more clearly and in greater detail.

• Notice the prayerful and gentle expression on Joseph’s face. Perhaps Joseph is wondering what will become of this child as he grows under his care. What father or mother has not prayed to be all that God dreams and wishes him or her to be so that a child receive the best of them? What prayer can you offer for your father and mother? If you are a parent what is your prayer?

• Joseph’s strong arm and calloused working hand seems to be blessing the infant Jesus. Whom do you wish to bless? Who blesses you? Thank God for these blessings.

• We can recognize Joseph as provider because he is taking care of Jesus so that Mary can sleep. This image is filled with endless possibilities for reflection and prayer. What surprises you about this scene? What delights you? Do disturbs you? Talk this over with God in prayer.

• What is this image of St. Joseph and the Holy Family saying to you at this moment? Speak to God about it.

• What prayer does this image call forth from you?

• Through the intercession of St. Joseph ask for wisdom to discover the one action you will take To Be a Provider for Others?

Reflection II 

In this week’s homily we heard a story about the great French author Honore’ de Balzac who when a young and struggling writer lived for many years in all but empty attic. However, on the walls had written with a piece of coal: “Rosewood paneling,” on another “Venetian Mirror,” over the fireplace “Painting by Rafael.” These images of his dream and vision encouraged him during the times when he was tempted to give up writing. Years later he possessed each item he had once dreamed and envisioned. Like St. Joseph we are invited to be people who dream and have a vision of what is possible. In prayer God gives us with a dream and vision of who he wishes for us to become and how God will empower us to provide for the dreams and visions of others. As you begin this prayer ask God to empty your mind of expectations and frustrations so that you might be open to God’s dream and vision for you. Look at the photo of the empty room above. Ask God to direct your desire. Use your faith imagination to pretend this is a room that can be filled prayerfully by you – it is your spiritual room.

• How would you like to decorate your spiritual room? What furniture would be helpful in prayer? What objects help you to pray or might you find inspirational in this space? Imagine them there. Discuss each item with God to find a deeper meaning.

• What music would be playing in your spiritual room? Why? How does this music speak to you about God and your other loving relationships? Perhaps you can play the music now. Share the music with God.

• If you could invite anyone you wished to share this room with you both those that are now with the Lord and those who are here among us – who would you choose? What do you wish to say to them what they say to you?

• Spend some time in this imaginary prayerful place, perhaps journal about it. Thank God for your experience.