From today’s Scripture: “A leper came to him and kneeling down begged him and said, ‘If you wish, you can make me clean.’”—Mk 1:40

“If you wish”—should all our prayers begin that way? God’s will is the source of all that is good and beautiful in our world but it comes at a price; the beauty of Easter comes at the cost of Good Friday.

When Thomas Merton was becoming a Catholic, a friend asked him, “What do you want to be?” He replied, “a good Catholic.” No, his friend said, “you should want to be a saint.” God wants us all to be saints and not to count the cost.

Let us pray: Creator of all, you have created us good and beautiful to be a saint. Help me to say yes, despite my fears, doubts, and human frailty. Help me to say yes as a poor, simple peasant girl named Mary did long ago. As a simple peasant farmer named Franz Jagenstatter did years ago. You will supply all I need, even the yes. I ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today’s author is Brother Joe Steen, who is currently serving at Glenmary’s volunteer program at Joppa Mountain, in Grainger County, Tennessee.

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