Friday after Epiphany
Leprosy was a dreaded disease in the time of Christ. There was no known cure for this ailment. Besides the pain and disfigurement it caused, the individual also suffered the shame of isolation from the community. Levitical law required lepers to separate themselves from society. In the gospel account from Saint Luke, we hear the remarkable story of a leper who courageously approached Jesus to ask for healing. Unlike the unbelieving people of Nazareth, who drove Jesus out of the village because he claimed that the miracles he performed were the fulfillment of the prophecy of Isaiah, this leper believed in Christ. He recognized that Jesus was indeed the Messiah. “…he fell prostrate, pleaded with him, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Jesus, moved with great compassion at such faith, did the unthinkable. Disregarding the law, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched the leper’s diseased limbs and said, “’I do will it. Be made clean.’ And the leprosy left him immediately” (Lk 5:12-13). At his very command, health was restored and the man was set free to return to society.
Where in our hearts do we find places of disfigurement? Are there unresolved resentments in our lives? Do we carry the leprosy of unforgiveness or ongoing anger? The good news of today’s gospel is that we, like the leper, can take our deepest wounds to Jesus for healing. He has no fear of touching our sores and scars. And his touch brings healing and restoration. He makes us clean.
For today: Having experienced the forgiveness of Christ in our own lives, can we reach out to bring healing to broken relationships? Can we reach out to the “unclean” in our communities and bring hope to those who are lonely, ignored or are on the margin of our circle of acquaintances?
Reflection by Br. Michael Marcotte, OSB
Posted in Articles for Christmas, Daily Reflections