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The report about him spread all the more, and great crowds
assembled to listen to him and to be cured of their ailments, but
he would withdraw to deserted places to pray. Luke 5:15–16
This line concludes the beautiful and powerful story of a man who
was full of leprosy and who came to Jesus, fell prostrate before
Him and pleaded with Jesus to heal Him if it was His will. Jesus’
response was simple: “I do will it. Be made clean.” And then Jesus
did the unthinkable. He touched the man. The man, of course, was
immediately healed of his leprosy, and Jesus sent him to show
himself to the priest. But word of this miracle spread fast, and
many people kept coming to see Jesus as a result.
It’s easy to imagine the scene of people talking about this
miracle, thinking of their own ailments and those of their loved
ones, and wanting to be healed by this miracle worker. But in the
passage above, we see Jesus do something very interesting and
prophetic. Just as the great crowds gathered and just as there was
much excitement about Jesus, He withdrew from them to a deserted
place to pray. Why would He do this?
Jesus’s mission was to teach His followers the truth and to lead
them to Heaven. He did this not only by His miracles and teachings
but also by setting an example of prayer. By going off to pray to
His Father alone, Jesus teaches all of these excited followers what
is most important in life. Physical miracles are not what is most
important. Prayer and communion with the Father in Heaven is what’s
most important.
If you have established a healthy life of daily prayer, one way you
can share the Gospel with others is by allowing others to witness
your commitment to prayer. Not so as to receive their praise, but
to let them know what you find most important in life. When you
commit yourself to daily Mass, going to church for adoration, or
simply taking time alone in your room to pray, others will notice
and will be drawn into a holy curiosity which may also lead them to
a life of prayer.
Reflect, today, upon your mission to evangelize others by the
simple act of allowing your life of prayer and devotion to be known
by them. Let them see you pray, and if they ask, share with them
the fruits of your prayer. Allow your love of our Lord to shine
forth so that others will receive the blessing of your holy
witness.
Lord, help me to be committed to a life of true prayer and
devotion each and every day. Help me to be faithful to this life of
prayer and to continually be drawn deeper in my love of You. As I
learn to pray, use me to be a witness to others so that those who
need You the most will be changed by my love of You. Jesus, I trust
in You.
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