Reaching Out to the Lepers - Bishop Barron's Sunday Sermon

Friends, this week, our Gospel is the marvelous passage from Mark about Jesus curing a leper. These moments of healing stayed so deeply in the imaginations of the first Christians. What do we make of this particular healing of a leper? Let’s look at it from three angles: life on the margins of society, the shame of our own sin, and the absence from right worship.
Mass Readings:
Reading 1 - Lv 13:1-2, 44-46
Psalm - Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11
Reading 2 - 1 Cor 10:31-11:1
Gospel - Mk 1:40-45
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[@parkersmithphoto]

At 55, this leper will be Baptized this Easter, and I owe it to you and your guidance. Like Jesus, you never give up on people, no matter how long it takes for them to see the Truth and hear the Word. God bless you, Bishop Barron!

[@sheilasmithsoderquist8643]

For myself I was 67. The daughter of a Southern Baptist.

[@BillCadmus]

Oh, what a blessed event! I'll be thinking of you on Easter morning, God bless

[@anthonyjesujesu7281]

Great my lord will love to embrace you and welcome your to his kingdom

[@Bloozestringer]

54 here. Confirmation this Easter. The good Bishop is where I started this journey. Thank God for him.

[@dklonghornranch2737]

That’s wonderful 🙏🏻 I agree Bishop Barron is so profound♥️

[@padrejoeedos746]

Thanks for mentioning Nigeria. I'm a Nigerian Priest and I can testify to the statistics. A typical Nigerian cannot imagine him/herself stay at home on a Sunday without going to Mass/Church or a Muslim not going to Mosque on a Friday. However, it's still a leprous country in that our religiousness doesn't translate to everyday life. But it helps the youth; the believe in God gives them hope amidst the insane state of the State, regardless whether they really worship God in spirit and truth. Thank you Bishop Barron, you inspire me in my vocation and I always reference you in some of my homilies. I remember playing the video of your talk on the Nature of Freedom with the University Youth in Abeokuta Diocese late last year and we had a discussion on it. I purposely wanted them to learn what freedom really is so that they could guide their lives. And it was a lively discussion with them. If someday, as means allows, I come to the US, you'll be top priority of who I'll like to visit and at least have a handshake with. Thank you once again my Lord.

[@BishopBarron]

God bless you, Father!

[@efosaokoro3343]

This is great! Nice to meet you padre

[@Jahneen24]

@BishopBarron Praise Jesus! Hallelujah! I’m becoming a Catholic nun with your help!

[@fernandoribeiro2228]

Unfortunatly the western world is deeply sick. Fortunately, there´s Africa. The light is shinning there. Praise be the Lord.

[@eternalperspectiveofficial]

I'm Catholic from Abuja, Nigeria and I share the same sentiments as the priest. It's beautiful to see Bishop Barron respond to this message, I never miss these Sunday sermons immediately after mass and I played the one on Israel's walls and bridges for my mom. God bless you both for the good work you do ❤

[@devimckarof7558]

There are no churches where I live, I'm not even baptized nor I consider myself a Christian; but I find myself here every week listening to you Bishop Barron, Thank you :)

[@norametzler2271]

Where do you live? Gods blessings to you

[@martinarooney228]

God is calling you, it sounds like. Pray to Jesus and your path will open, believe 🙏

[@nereb100]

May the Holy Spirit guide you further.

[@maryann6523]

Gid bless you dear one! Keep listening to Bishop Barron and God will lead you where to go.

[@wrenlittle8826]

God is calling you. Fear not.

[@ybrueckner5589]

I work in an a small town underserved community as a physician. Many people know who I am. Was just getting ready to go fetch a young man living on the margins before going to mass. I’ll see if he wants to come along. If not he will still be my friend and I will share the gospel at some point. But my internal pressure to evangelize is growing. Your sermons are very inspiring sir. God bless

[@ronreid1946]

Jesus reached out to everyone! I’ve heard a lot of Catholics criticizing Pope Francis, for reaching out to everyone and I had a question?Is that what Jesus would do? He shared his body with all of us for all of us, and continues to accept us with open arms as he did on the cross. Pope Francis is modeling what Jesus would do. I’ve heard you say, Bishop Barron, that we are all equally created by God with different talents,looks,emotions, etc. Let’s bring them together for a stronger safer planet.! Peace be with you brothers and sisters have a Jesus filled day!

[@bodolawale5448]

I didn't expect to hear my country Nigeria in this sermon. It caught me off guard lol. I am a protestant trying to convert to Catholic hopefully soon.

[@TheZuluPrincess]

If ever there was a sign :)

[@BishopBarron]

May God guide you on your journey.

[@lidaskissners1017]

Only your personal relationship with Jesus Christ and asking Him to forgive your sins will save you and bring you into heaven when you die.. nothing and nobody else can help you!! Read your Bibel and ask the Holy Spirit to open your understanding of it! And pray to God through Jesus Christ directly, in your own words.. that's honestly all you need... and then the Holy Spirit will lead you and guide you and teach you and help you to grow in your faith! Praise God for that!

[@27lamar]

@@lidaskissners1017what is the greatest commandment that Jesus Christ teaching us?

[@lidaskissners1017]

@27lamar Love God with all your hearty, strength & mind and your neighbor as yourself! But you can only do it if you are born again through the Holy Spirit & God will give you strength and ability to do it.🙏

[@efosaokoro3343]

So nice hearing Bishop Barron mention my Country Nigeria. This homily is a soul healer. Thank you Bishop Barron, I'll be completing my RCIA this March.

[@squidward66]

Excellent! We Catholics are in need of getting this in focus in this confusing and morally chaotic world. I will watch this several times.

[@bettybella2417]

GOD BE WITH YOU & BLESS YOU ALWAYS YOUR GRACE, BISHOP ROBERT BARRON.

[@OldSycamore57]

What an incredibly timely homily. How many voices in the church today are screaming, “unclean, unclean” in response to the blessing of individuals in irregular relationships. How many voices take a hyper critical stance every time the Holy Father reaches out to the lepers in our society today. Thank you Bishop Barron for reminding us we are SUPPOSED to reach out to the “unclean”.

[@jpan7071]

I don’t know whether you’ll actually read this, but here I go. Bishop Barron, thank you for sharing your insights into the gospels. I have so enjoyed reading the Bible on Fire gospels that you helped publish. We read the rosary through your guidance on KZbin. I always look forward to your participation in episodes of The Chosen series. I’m proud to be Catholic. And the Catholic Church is lucky to have you as one of its respected representatives and leaders. I pray that one day you will become a cardinal. And perhaps, one day, our Holy Pope.

[@maireadcollins6825]

Another powerful sermon, thank you, especially valid as I prepare a group of 26 children for their First confession next month, prior to their First communion in May. Ireland is one of the few countries where we, the class teachers, prepare the children for these sacraments These children are the future for our church and I want them to have the courage to practice going to mass, going to confession and praying regularly, rather than staying on the margins, like so many of the young generation. Thank you, Bishop Barron for your continued inspiration and courage.

[@honeybeejourney]

Hello, that is interesting- that Ireland is one country where the classroom teacher prepares his/her students for sacraments. How beautiful.

[@ForestAOrmes]

Thank you, Bishop Barron. Blessings. Powerfully empathic.

[@robmcdonagh8367]

The seats on Sunday are slowly filling up over the past 12 months the Holy Spirit is moving through Ireland

[@maireadcollins6825]

I agree....I also notice young famiies returning to mass on Sundays here in Co. Cork. Isn't it great the Holy Spirit is indeed moving through Ireland? Thank God

[@christopherjacob8017]

Greetings to all from India 🇮🇳..so many perspectives to see this beautiful passage from the gospel of St.Mark...I stay pretty close to the leprosy centre run by the missionary brothers of charity(Kolkata) India 🇮🇳..if you can visit this place,you will see what a wonderful job they are doing with the lepers..salute to the brothers of charity ..God bless our Catholic missionaries ❤❤

[@marypinakat8594]

"No one is beyond hope because we're not relying on our accomplishments. That's not what Christianity is about at all. It's about opening oneself to the mercy that's corming our way." *- Bishop Barron*

[@Rosannecundari-fe1en]

I was helping fill the Little Library at a park by my house yesterday and a man was there with a hardhat and gloves on and I thought what? We introduce ourselves and he says he is former military doing Jesus work reaching out to clean parks!- picking up trash, cleaning benches ,tables , equipment! etc. He renewed my faith!!!

[@likable72]

Faith and trust in your fellowmen which is rare nowadays!

[@colourmyworld5837]

Thank you, i needed to hear that, i'm not young but i have been away from the church for too long. I'm a Baptist, but i'm really a Catholic and i need to stop wasting time and convert. Hello Bishop Barron from Wales UK.

[@francescagruscio]

God bless you, Bishop Barron. Your videos have helped me come back to the catholic faith in full force. Thank you for your time and work.

[@anny19988]

Thanks Bishop Robert Barron. Your sermon really touched me. Few weeks ago I was offered a well paying job but whose requirements meant I would have to miss Sunday Masses. I kindly refused that offer. It was difficult decision to make since I am still in a need of a good job but I chose to give it to the LORD and trust Him.

[@luciesvobodova8720]

Bishop Barron, you have been a guide back to my faith, and with your help opened the door fully to God. I shall be always grateful. Your sermons and all other discussions help transform people’s lives!

[@maryann6523]

Me, too! It’s the best decade of my life !! Keep Listening !

[@marylynnmazzocco5367]

God bless our priests all priests.

[@bolshevi3187]

I have often felt that my sins, my actions and inactions are beyond redemption, beyond forgiveness. Feelings of shame are very heavy. I shall take your words Fr and attempt to believe, attempt confession. Thank you for your words.

[@canchadhandlethat872]

God bless you

[@lisacatherineschaubroeck2348]

Jesus is the only great healer. Thank you, Lord, for your healing. Amen. Glory be to God.

[@Ddd366d]

Tell that to Benny Hinn

[@madzkhi5525]

Thank you Bishop Barron ❤️🙏🏻

[@dansoabeam3745]

God bless you, Bishop

[@marytamburello2975]

Be merciful to me a sinner...

[@bettymacdonald3359]

Thank you dear Bishop Baron and for mentioning Holy Father Pope Francis (whom I love and admire so). In this day he does exactly what Jesus did and reaches out to the modern day leper and is attacked by so many within Holy Mother Church, cardinals, bishops, priests, layity for destroying the church while the opposite is true. He is doing what Jesus did and paying the same price Jesus did. Long may he and you preach God's love and mercy.

[@segunogunwale8416]

Thank you Bishop for letting us know that Christ is always reaching out to us and to me in my leprous state. Thank you for being a channel of restoration. Thank you for allowing God to speak through you. Thank you. - Lagos, Nigeria

[@soniaaltuzar6191]

Muchas gracias, saludos desde México

[@luciArtist_]

I always love listening to Bishop Barron’s sermons. Thank God for keeping Bishop Barron all well always🙏 God is perfect LOVE and real Savior of my life! After I became a Catholic in 2011, I just found the majority people in this country have already left the best part of their life -- attending Catholic church Mass weekly to let their own souls meet the real loving God and get fed by having Eucharist…..What a huge wasting of God’s love!

[@PeterCorcoran-rr7bm]

Great homily. We pray for the conversion of souls.

[@teriivaeavallaux775]

Bishop Barron is so talented, so convincing ...I wish He will be elected our next Pope.

[@feicitasw]

Thank you, Bishop Barron, once again!

[@reneefischer3017]

Thank you Bishop Barron! You say so eloquently exactly what the world needs to hear. God bless you!

[@richardmendy4914]

I can relate to not wanting to be healed in my sin. Praise be to God I have been cured of that mentality

[@kevinchaves2166]

Thank you. Bishop Barron ✝️🕊️🙏🇺🇲

[@kandyeagle]

Listening from SRI Lanka ❤

[@joerankin1691]

Thanks for spreading the oil of your ordination Father

[@xiomaraballadares6537]

I usually listen B. Barron’s Sunday homily before I go to mass on Sunday. He inspires me to pay close attention and understand the Readings. Thank you B Barron for all the help you provide to me illuminating my way to the Lord.

[@dklonghornranch2737]

Beautifully said Bishop Barron Thank you for such a profound sermon.

[@k.o.hakala2112]

Keep the oil pouring!

[@tiffanyann9936]

Thank you Bishop Barron for your powerful and intelligent voice. Nothing changes one’s life like Jesus. ❤

[@margaretferrara1008]

Thank you Bishop Barron. Blessings to you feel better..

[@MAvila744]

Thank you for this, Bishop Baron. I know first hand what it feels like to open yourself up to grace and let Jesus in. His love and his mercy has no limit.

[@michaellucuski1799]

thank you bishop barron once again for a great sermon. God bless you

[@gloriabandy]

Touch my heart, Lord, and say, "Be made clean".

[@veerlepaulissen6283]

Thank you for being a real shepherd and to feed your sheep every Sunday, until Belgium

[@GayeZacharyasz]

Beautiful homily. Really touched me today.

[@InventorKnight]

Help us Father to reach out to those people and like Jesus help each to come back into the Church and repent of their sins through the sacraments.

[@somebodyu.usedtoknow]

I love mass go every Sunday for the sacrifice and right praise

[@thclaramel5067]

Very practical sharp homily into modern social daily life ....🙏💡

[@davidrasch3082]

There are times when my severely/profoundly handicapped adult son is treated as a leper-shunned, set aside, given leftovers.....

[@danettemurphy2223]

Praying for healing of the body and the spirit 💕🙏

[@susannegreenwood5214]

I will listen to this homily again and again and share it with others. God bless you, Bishop Barron, and your work, ways, and words.

[@zacharybloo9884]

If I had had a pastor like mister Barron I probably would have never left the church. Peace be with you my friend

[@jayzdunek4026]

Most powerful words I have heard for a while. It is the perfect sermon before Lent.

[@catherinemwakio740]

Very powerful and inspiring as always. Truly grateful for this powerful homily Bishop Baron

[@fernandoribeiro2228]

Yes! Always the right word calling us to right worship. Thank you.

[@mapaz555]

God Bless you Bishop Robert Barron ❤

[@AM-ni3sz]

Thank you

[@andresteves4979]

Saint Peregrine Laziosi heal us...from the biblical leprosy to cancer and diseases of our times...God bless Bishop Barron Word on Fire cast crew listeners...

[@Aaron-cc7yq]

Brought tears to my eyes, because too many times I have felt exactly like the man with leprosy when Jesus is calling me.

[@jacobgnanapragasam929]

Amen Bishop Barron. Thank you very much from Botswana.

[@toddgruber5729]

Every week hitting grand slams. Awesome. What a gift Bishop Barron is.

[@mapinoita279]

We love you Bishop Barron!😊 God bless you!

[@JustinThomas-wo4bt]

Amen 🙏🙏 Thank you ❤❤

[@DeaconJim1000]

Wonderful homily on Jesus reaching out to heal the leper! We are all lepers in some sense, feeling beyond His reach, His all-sufficient, merciful love. But no one is beyond His reach!

[@wrenlittle8826]

What a powerful sermon. Thank you and God bless you. It had me in tears.

[@MrDarshD]

Very true. We must help those who get help from no one.

[@Rhuthieful]

Thank you Bishop Barron for always enlightening us and guiding us on how to become more like Jesus. Keeping you in my prayers. Rhuth from the Philippines 🙏☝️❤️

[@denisewalker7217]

Beautiful ! Thank-you! Blessed Sunday!

[@lornavaughan-bb7gp]

Lovely sermon Bishop Barron GOD bless you abundantly 🙌♥️🌹

[@davidadam3701]

Thank you for this beautiful homily. I referenced this homily several times in the Gospel reflection at the Catholic Communion in prison. The message really resonated with the inmates.

[@marystermer5983]

Thank you😇

[@humbertofernandes-fp4ok]

Bishop such a fantastic sermon . You are so Convincing about the fact that Jesus is reaching out to me !

[@captain0310]

Thank you Bishop Barron. Your message is so simple and yet we make it so hard!

[@josecelis2477]

Thank you so much Bishop Barron...God Bless..

[@freddo6941]

Beautiful homily. I pray the Lord presents opportunities to reach out to the margins and gives me the wisdom to recognize it.

[@TecOneself]

Thank you father, feeling like the lepers and being a bridge is the pathway whom passes, in your words, better blessed. Forgiveness is the only transformation to be freed from. Amen

[@emervillemain9440]

Beautiful . Merci beaucoup

[@mtrctylarry]

Thank you Dear Bishop. Even though I have gone to confession and received absolution, I have been feeling like the leper for some of the things I have done in my life. Your sermon today has finally touched my heart and made me realize that I need to let the guilt go and trust in God’s grace.

[@margaritacarreon4934]

God bless you Bishop Barron! May God keep using you to deliver His message to all people. Don’t grow weary! May God sustain you and His Holy Spirit keep putting His words in you. My prayers, love and respect be with you.🙏🏻

[@annettejacobs4836]

Amen

[@tonox0]

This one impacted on me too hard, powerful powerful stuff. Jesus knew even back then, wow

[@WonderFilledCow]

Thank you Bishop Barron, you enlightened my understanding of the christian faith and help me to dive and live deeper my faith in Christ. About what you've cited that droves of people, even young people become like lepers nowadays, no longer worship God, in some ways is sounding alarm, a wake up call, to the church, how did it leads, how it shepherds the flock, how it deals with scandals within the church leadership, and how it teaches the faith, and guides the faithful to Jesus.

[@Rugbylacroose4life]

Thank you Bishop, God bless you!

[@williamgamble3379]

There is a difference between reaching out to those who know they are contagious and pretending there is nothing wrong .

[@janegildart7585]

Hmm. Isn't the Bishop's message that mercy is on offer to all? And that accepting the mercy of Christ means putting our sin before him and asking for his help? No pretending there.

[@sleepycat224]

Thank you Bishop Robert Barron for your excellent sermon. You always inspire me to follow in Jesus Christ footsteps. God bless you 13:30

[@roystewart4386]

In my country, there is a dire need for people to reach out to the disadvantaged in society. Yes Bishop Barron, you have a strong point. Hopefully many will not only listen to your message, but will reach out, even in a small way. Let it become second nature.

[@fredjones234]

I feel completely lossed in life and am desperately seeking to find hope in god again!

[@BishopBarron]

Perform the simplest act of love today.

[@anneturner2759]

@@BishopBarronperfect answer….

[@patrickmicheal6235]

I've loved this seemon..wow

[@marilynnelloyd7983]

AMEN 🙏🏻🙏🏻 And thank you Bishop Barron for all your uplifting sermons 💖🙏🏻

[@MRizzio]

The center of the center of the Gospel and this fine sermon, Our Lord's question, "Do you want to be healed?"

[@jeanonyeagwara4949]

Thank You Bishop Barron Appreciate your teaching always!

[@SNS-f6g]

Thank you always Bishop Barron. I wish people, especially catholics, understood the main reason why we go to mass (Christ’s sacrifice made present again). It would make the Eucharistic Revival campaign much more productive. The heart of religion is worship and the heart of worship is sacrifice.

[@gejovibo]

Gracias Obispo Barron

[@marymichalski7411]

Thanks for recognizing that all are welcome in our Church, but does the Catholic Church truly welcome all? We give this message, but does the Church honor her message that all our welcome. Yes, many young people are going away from the Church, and it is very sad. Yes, much of that responsibility is on them, but how is the Church meeting the needs of all? I have worked, prayed, and served in my Church all my life and that is a long time now as I am in my early 80s, but I have seen arrogance, incorrect thinking by too many priests and religious that is definitely not inviting to the sinner. In fact, it is so refreshing to hear: All our welcome. I pray we practice this belief in the daily life of the Church. Priests have to stop playing God and acting as if they have to do everything as the laity, esp women, are just not capable. Embrace the sinner as Jesus did and many may return to the Church.

[@josephgiambona1668]

Thank you and God bless you for all your hard work 🙏🏻❤️

[@AdelSalti]

Thank you, Bishop Barron for this Blessing. A Sinner is ‘Poor in the Spirit’, an Evildoer is ‘Devoid of the Spirit.’ Our Lord blessed the former: ”“Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.“ Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭3; and promised ‘Woe’ to those who are filled of their own spirit: ”“But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.“ Luke‬ ‭6‬:‭24‬‬

[@chitdelarama1381]

One of the best homilies of all time! There are so many “lepers” in my family, and I pray that they listen to this homily. Please God!