during his audience in St. Peter�s Square on 6 November, 2013 (Wednesday). Pope Francis, prayed and blessed the man similarly St. Francis of Assisi, who also embraced a leper. This was truly beautiful an act of compassion in the likeness of Jesus healing the leper in Matthew 8-1-4.
Act of compassion and love,
is what Christ wants each of us to do.
The man was as suffering from neurofibromatosis, which causes great pain and can result in paralysis, impaired vision, deafness, mental retardation, migraines and even cancer. Treatment of the condition is very complicated. People with this disease, which is genetic and not contagious but often face discrimination because of their appearance.
Matthew 8:1-4
Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy
8 When Jesus came down from the mountainside, large crowds followed him. 2 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, �Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.�
3 Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. �I am willing,� he said. �Be clean!� Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, �See that you don�t tell anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.�
Faithfulness or fidelity allows us to persevere in living out an unswerving commitment. The Lord is committed to us in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. That is what covenant means, keeping one's word, promise, and commitment no matter how tough or difficult it gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us. Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to be faithful. He also rewards faithfulness.
Exodus 14:14
The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.
Lord Jesus, you are faithful even when I fail. Help me to persevere in faithfulness and not shrink back in the face of challenges or difficulties. May I never forget your presence with me and may I always be ready to receive you when you call me to your home.
1 Thessalonians 5:24
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.