"Thou canst make me clean."

I was unable to attend Tuesday night's class and I am sure a good follow up discussion regarding conference weekend. During my readings the last 2 weeks I have studied again a scriptural story I have read probably a dozen or so times; the healing of the leper in Mathew's account (Matt. 8:1-4). This time, however, its personal application filled me with an overwhelming sense of gratitude for my Savior Jesus Christ. The scripture passage reads:

1 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.
2 And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean.
3 And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

The faith of this humble leper was truly amazing. He trusted in the healing power of the Savior and knew that if it was the will of the Lord he would instantly be made clean. During this time period a leper was banned from society and forced to live in a community of other inflicted persons. It was usual for a leper to ring a bell to warn others of his coming. This particular leper would have followed similar attempts to warn others so as to not make "unclean" those who passed near. His act of humble faith (that of coming to and trusting in the Lord) led to his immediate and whole cleansing.

I am in awe of the love and compassion the Savior must have had for this man; the same love he has for all who humbly come to Him to be made clean. The Masters response to the leper's appeal ..."I will"... reflects the ready desire of the Savior to heal all through His infinite atonement. The word "immediately" also catches my attention. It seems often that I become frustrated with the fact that I am not perfect now and that I must continually struggle forward. The atonement's effects however are immediate upon grounds of true and faithful repentance. As I do fully repent I am made clean immediately. I stand all amazed at the Savior's love and mercy. I do know that He lives and stands ready to make all clean again. I love Him, want to serve Him and hope to aid in furthering His effort to heal all the "sick and afflicted" souls of men.