Hebrews 3:7-14 / Mark 1:40-45
Certain words can bring back memories that we would rather forget and experiences that we would rather not remember.
For example, the word "repeat" may recall that time in school when we had to stay back for another year at the same level to redo that level because we were lazy and didn't meet the mark for the exams.
Or the word "drunk" may remind us of that occasion that we had a drink too many and said and done things we regretted.
In the 1st reading, the word "Rebellion" and that phrase "Day of Temptation in the wilderness" reminded the people of God of how they complained against God and challenged and even tested God.
For that they suffered the consequences and that generation wandered in the desert and never saw the Promised Land.
But if they didn't learn their lesson, then those words will only evoke bitter memories and they will only dwell in shame and regret.
Similarly, when some words make us recall shameful and regretful memories, then we may not have learned the lessons and we are trapped in the past.
But just as Jesus healed the leper and freed him from the past memories and experiences of rejection and bitterness, Jesus also wants to heal our past so that we can learn our lessons from them and move on and grow in love and faith.
We just have to invite Jesus to re-visit those past memories and experiences together with us and we will see His presence there and helping us to come have a closure and be reconciled with those memories and experiences.
Then like the leper who was healed, we too will experience healing and salvation.