June 28. “Talk about putting your money where your mouth is,” Patrick commented. “The very first thing Jesus did after finishing his big sermon on the mount, or as you say his vision statement, was put it into practice by healing a leper, an untouchable.  Pope Francis asks us to touch the wounds of those who suffer. I wouldn’t really mind touching some sick people, though I don’t think I would be a good doctor or paramedic, and I’ve always been afraid to touch someone with AIDS, and leprosy is even worse. I am doing my best to understand the ways of St Francis and how he was joyful in his ministry to the lepers in his day. There is a definite challenge to go that extra mile. I hope and pray that God will give me the strength and courage that I need for whatever way lies ahead for me.”

Reflect, share, scripture: When Jesus came down from the mountain great crowds followed him and behold, a leper came and knelt before him and said, ”Lord If you will you can make me clean.” Matt 8:1-4. Pope Francis:  St Francis helped us to see that an integral ecology calls for openness to categories which take us to the heart of what it is to be human.  He felt called to care for all that exists and was particularly concerned for God’s creation and for the poor and outcast.  LS 10.  In each of these little ones Christ himself is present.  His flesh becomes visible in the flesh of the crushed, the malnourished and the exiled, to be acknowledged, touched and cared for by us.  FM15, ACTION AND PRAYER. Share on miracles and your beliefs.