This is a reflection on the Mass readings of the day.
Today’s first reading provides a stern warning that we must take care not to develop an evil and unfaithful heart. The warning cites the Old Testament punishment of the Hebrews who, unfaithful in the desert, received the following consequence from God: “They shall not enter into my rest.” The reference to God’s prohibition of entry into the promised land for a generation of Hebrews is clearly used here as a metaphor of the risk of condemnation for those Christians who develop an evil and unfaithful heart.
Is the leper in today’s gospel one of these of unfaithful heart? His initial utterance touches us and moves our hearts to pity, together with the heart of Jesus: “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Once he receives his longed-for gift from Jesus, though, Jesus admonishes him not to spread the news. The former leper is in the hands of his emotions, however, and ignores Jesus’ admonition, publicizing the event far and wide. This significantly limits Jesus’ freedom of movement and His ministry.
In the book of Exodus, the Hebrews cry out to God for food, and He takes pity on them and provides, first manna, and then quail. They receive from him what they want. But then they fail to obey His commands out of fear–under the control, not of their reason guided by trust, but of their emotions. Just like the leper, who prompted God’s pity and received his request, but then utterly disregarded Jesus’ command.
So, was the leper condemned to Hell, because–per the warnings of the first reading–he was of unfaithful heart? We of course cannot say anything of the kind. We can hope that, in his enthusiasm at his cure, he returned to Jesus and became a firm disciple. Maybe he even apologized to Jesus for his indiscretion.
What we can say is that St. Peter is in heaven, despite having initially displayed an unfaithfulness of heart–driven by fear, just like that of the Hebrews who balked at fighting the Canaanites and failed to trust God’s command–because he repented out of his great love for Jesus. He became steadfast and faithful of heart, to the point of accepting crucifixion upside-down.
This, however, does not mean we should take the first reading’s admonition lightly. Many there are who, as described by the parable of the sower, initially receive the Word of God enthusiastically, but then falter do to a life ruled by fleeting emotions.
Ideas for conversation with the Lord: There is no greater guarantor of perseverance in faithfulness of heart than faithfulness to daily prayer and frequent reception of the sacraments, which can only happen one day at a time. Ask Jesus to infuse you with His grace to help you remain faithful and steadfast. Then, enjoy your time with Him; talk to Him about the things that matter to you, and the things that puzzle you. Entrust and abandon it all to His provident Heart.
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