Date: Sunday, February 15, 2015
Even in our “modern world” there is consternation, debate, isolation and fear at the outbreak of a contagious disease. Consider Ebola and measles. We can understand to some degree the prescriptions and prohibitions in Leviticus. We can have sympathy with the leper who approaches Jesus begging: “If you wish you can make me clean.” Moved with empathy, Jesus stretches out his hand, touches the leper and says: “I do will it, be made clean!” In so doing Jesus heals the outer and inner man. The skin affliction is cleansed and the scar within from rejection and alienation from God and neighbor is healed. Jesus restores the leper to the community and to God. He directs the leper made clean to go and show himself to the priest as is prescribed in Mosaic Law (i.e. the proper procedure) permitting him to return to his family and to public worship. Through the Church, Jesus is reaching through the generations to forgive, to heal and to restore us to God’s mercy and love. Jesus sets an example for us in responding with compassion to persons who are isolated in part by our ignorance and fear. Jesus tells the newly cleansed leper to keep the healing to himself. Jesus knows when word gets out that he will be overwhelmed by seekers who are curious, who are drawn to the spectacular or who are genuinely seeking healing. Will those who seek Jesus out hear the proclamation of the Kingdom of God? Will they follow Jesus to the cross?