JESUS HEALS A LEPER
First Reading: Leviticus 13: 1-2 and 45-46
Second Reading: 1 Corinthians 10: 31 to 11:1
Gospel Reading: Mark 1: 40-45
*First reading is from the book of Leviticus. The wretched condition of lepers in Old Testament times is described in detail. During those days leprosy made a person physically, spiritually and socially an outcast. He/she was unwanted in the society. As long as the disease lasted, a leper was forced to stay out of his/her home in some secluded place. Lepers were considered ritually unclean and they were compelled to live far away from any human habitations.
*Second reading is from the first letter of St. Paul to Corinthians. Paul urges Christians in Corinth not to offend anyone but to do good to everyone at all times. He reminds them and all of us that in whatever we do we have to give glory to God the Father. He gives his own example and tells us that he gives glory to God by being a perfect imitator of Jesus Christ and does everything for the good of others.
I will; be clean. Today's Gospel reading is from St. Mark. It narrates the dramatic way Jesus healed a leper. This man implored Jesus to heal him from leprosy. Immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and healed him. The leprosy mentioned in the Gospel symbolizes all the external and internal illness that we suffer from. While healing this leper Jesus did the unthinkable for a Jew of that time to do. He reached out and touched this suffering man. Jesus could have very well healed the man without touching him. By this action, Jesus gave him dignity and showed that this man too is very precious in the eyes of God. By His touch and consoling words Jesus not only healed the wounds and pains of leprosy but also the wounds caused by rejection which was inflicted on him by the society. St. Damien of Molokai is a prime example of a person who tried to emulate Jesus by his love, concern and care for lepers. After working for the wellbeing of lepers for many years, he too contracted leprosy and died of leprosy. The following words are written on his tomb. "Love never fails." - 1Corinthians 13:8. During these days of Covid-19, we too are faced with social distancing, loneliness and isolation. Jesus who healed the leper may heal all who suffer due to the effects of this pandemic.
"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis but rather the feeling of being unwanted." - St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta.
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