In the first reading, the Ark of the Covenant falls into the hands of the enemies. The ark contained the tablets of the law and it also signified the presence of the Lord. Thus, it was Israel's holiest object. In bringing the ark into the battlefield, they were in effect bringing the Lord to fight on their behalf. What was interesting was that the Israelites automatically assumed that the Lord would just fight for them. It was as if with the ark, they could manipulate God as they would an appliance, switch God on or off as and when they liked. Despite the defeat of the Israelites and the capture of the ark, it does not change the fact that the Lord was present and still in control.

In the Gospel, we find a different approach taken by the leper in his encounter with Jesus. Afflicted by a disease that ravaged his skin and destroyed his life, the leper made no demands for healing but in self-surrender could only kneel before Jesus and plead with faith, "If you want to, you can cure me."

No matter what we may face each day whether in our pain, difficulties, afflictions or complications, it does not change the fact that the Lord is present and He is in control. It is He alone who can lead us to live in the freedom and glory that comes from being His child. How do we approach Him when we come face to face with Him in our prayer?