MONTHLY DEVOTIONAL FOR 26 JUNE
June 26, 2026
SPIRITUAL INSIGHTS INTO THE LIFE OF SAINT JOSEMARIA ESCRIVÁ
June 26, 2026
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING
26 JUNE, 2026
Matthew 8:1-4
When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him.
And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I will do it. Be made clean.”
His leprosy was cleansed immediately.
Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one,
but go show yourself to the priest,
and offer the gift that Moses prescribed;
that will be proof for them.”
THE GOSPEL OF THE LORD!
REFLECTION
Matthew 8:1–4 presents the beautiful encounter between Jesus and a man suffering from leprosy. In those days, lepers were considered unclean, isolated from society, and often treated as outcasts. Yet the leper approaches Jesus with remarkable humility and faith, saying, “Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.”
The man’s words reveal complete trust in Jesus’ power and loving will. He does not doubt that Jesus can heal him; he simply places himself entirely in the Lord’s hands. Jesus responds with deep compassion. He stretches out His hand, touches the untouchable, and says, “I do choose. Be made clean!” Immediately, the leprosy leaves him.
This miracle reminds us that no person is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Jesus is not afraid to draw near to our wounds, our sins, our fears, or our brokenness. He touches what others avoid and restores both body and soul. Like the leper, we are invited to approach Christ with confidence, bringing before Him whatever keeps us from living in the fullness of His love.
Jesus also instructs the healed man to present himself to the priest and offer the gift prescribed by Moses. This teaches us the importance of obedience, gratitude, and witnessing to God’s work through humble faithfulness rather than seeking personal attention.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I come before You with all my weaknesses, sins, and burdens. Like the leper, I believe that You have the power to make me clean. Touch my heart with Your healing hand and remove whatever separates me from You. Fill me with humility, trust, and gratitude, and help me to follow You with faithful obedience. Make me an instrument of Your compassion so that I may bring hope and comfort to those who feel rejected or forgotten. May my life always bear witness to Your mercy and saving love. Amen.
