Thursday of the First Week in Ordinary Time

Today's Mass Readings

 

Leprosy was not only a painful illness in the ancient world but also a communal affliction because its victims were excluded from normal society. It was so dangerous and so contagious that those who had it were forced to keep their distance from others in case they should infect someone by accident. Only in the last century or so has medicine developed reliable treatments and cures for the disease, before which people would be too afraid to let a leper approach them.

Jesus not only allowed lepers to approach him, he touched them, giving them something they had been unable to receive for a long time. Even the celibate priest needs appropriate physical contact with other people, such as a hug, a pat on the back, or shaking hands. Physical contact is one of the many ways we relate to each other and create communion; to be denied any form of physical contact is to be severely isolated. We were created to be in communion with God and with one another, and Jesus expresses this communion through his merciful touch of the leper whom he heals with his mercy.

Reflection by Fr. Victor Schinstock, OSB