Dear OLA Parish Family, 

 

During Jesus’ time, lepers were outcasts driven from their homes and left to fend for themselves. Their physical condition was terrible as they slowly lost the use of their limbs and withered away. They were not only shunned but regarded as “already dead.” The medical knowledge of that time regarded contact with a leper as a grave risk. The Jewish law forbade anyone from touching a leper; otherwise, they would be unclean. Yet, the Lord touched the leper who approached Him and made him whole and clean. No one who sought Jesus out was refused His help. Even the outcasts of Jewish society found help in Him.  

In today’s Gospel, the leper did something quite remarkable. He approached Jesus confidently and humbly, expecting that Jesus could and would heal him. Usually, a leper would be stoned if he tried to come near a rabbi. Yet, Jesus granted the desperate man’s plea, reaching out with tender compassion that conveyed God’s love more eloquently than words could express. In simply touching the leper, Christ met misery with mercy, making this social outcast clean both physically and spiritually. When you are around those who are difficult to love, offer kindness and compassion. When you answer hardship with help, this is God’s love in action. If you are bitter, jealous, or angry, approach Jesus as the leper did – He is always ready to show each of us His mercy. Jesus wants you to be free from whatever makes you unclean, unapproachable, or unloving.

 

Have a blessed day.

Yours in Christ,

Father Edward Domme