Friar’s Corner: Continued Good News! Jesus brings hope and healing

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46; Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11; 1 Cor 10:31 – 11:1; Mark 1:40-45

Let’s continue with our eyewitness camera crew as we finish chapter 1 of St. Mark’s gospel. Jesus was busy healing the people in Capernaum on the Jewish Sabbath and Sunday. Then he moves on to other villages to teach and heal. As we walk along behind Jesus, a leper approaches him. Some of the followers back away from this stranger. The leper knelt down begging Jesus, "If you wish, you can make me clean." All those with Jesus are looking attentively to see what Jesus will do for him.

In Jesus’ day, leprosy, was a serious skin disorder, which was believed to be the result of the person’s own sins. It was contagious and the person was considered "ritually dead." Lepers had to tear their clothes, shave their heads and live outside the village as if dead. If near other people they were to ring a bell and shout, "Unclean! Unclean!"

Back to our story. It is amazing now to watch the love and compassion with which Jesus looked at this poor man. Jesus stretched out his hand saying, "I do will it. Be made clean." The leprosy left him immediately. Everyone gasped. All could see the man was completely healed.

Jesus warned him sternly and dismissed him. "See that you tell no one anything but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleaning what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them."

We watched the man singing and dancing for joy as he left. he certainly was not quiet about his healing but kept telling those he saw what Jesus had done for him. As Jesus has touched and continues to touch our life, let us also touch others.

Lent begins on Wednesday. I'll share about Lent on Tuesday.