How can I, on this snowy Friday after Epiphany, respond to the call to “Go, #show yourself to the priest…” when the diocese has closed the Cathedral and Pastoral Center due to snow, while reflecting on the Encyclical’s encouragement for believers to care for nature and the vulnerable, and recognizing that some vocations cannot take a snow day off❓
Gospel
It happened that there was a man full of leprosy in one of the towns where Jesus was;
and when he saw Jesus,
he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said,
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.”
Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said,
“I do will it. Be made clean.”
And the leprosy left him immediately.
Then he ordered him not to tell anyone, but
“Go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing
what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”
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.
Reflection
Today’s snowfall, blanketing the roads and closing our Cathedral, seems to show us a quieter way of being. Yet, I recall how the Gospel invites us to step forward in faith, to present ourselves with courage, even when the world slows down. Just as the snow shows its beauty while also revealing the vulnerabilities of our plans, I wonder how I can faithfully follow through on Christ’s call.
The Encyclical reminds us that faith should show us paths of liberation and a deeper care for one another and creation. This truth resonates especially in times like these, where dialogue and shared concern for the vulnerable are so needed. Does the snow, covering all equally, show us the way to live more generously, without partiality❓
to start with what we call on the radio show the page one stuff the generic stuff that we don’t talk about all the
There are vocations that never stop, regardless of the snow’s insistence to pause. Shepherds still tend their flocks, healthcare workers answer their calls, and livestock guardians keep their watch. These vocations show us that faithfulness often means carrying on, even when circumstances suggest otherwise. What does it mean for me to show similar resilience in my spiritual mission❓
The Gospel passage challenges us with a personal and visible faith—one that shows itself in action. “Go, show yourself to the priest,” calls for obedience and trust, even when the path to the priest may be snowed under. What does it mean to show myself before God today, despite obstacles, and allow faith to shine through the snow❓
As I consider how some vocations, such as my vocation of Marriage, cannot take a snow day, I ask myself: how do I honor my mission and show my faith amidst these challenges❓ How do I embody the call to serve, not just when it’s convenient but when it’s inconvenient as well❓ How can I truly live out Christ’s command to…
Furthermore, although this Encyclical welcomes dialogue with everyone so that together we can seek paths of liberation, I would like from the outset to show how faith convictions can offer Christians, and some other believers as well, ample motivation to care for nature and for the most vulnerable of their brothers and sisters.
FROM PARAGRAPH 64 of ENCYCLICAL LETTER LAUDATO SI’ OF THE HOLY FATHER FRANCIS ON CARE FOR OUR COMMON HOME