Stretching out his hand, Jesus touched the man and said, “Yes, I want to. Be clean.” In an instant,
the leprosy left him. Then Jesus instructed him, “Tell this to no one. But go, and show yourself to the priest.
Make an offering for your healing, as Moses prescribed; that will serve as evidence for them.” But the news
about Jesus spread all the more; and large crowds came to him, to listen and to be healed of their sickness.
As for Jesus, he would often withdraw to solitary places and pray.
Reflection:
The healing in today’s gospel is the result of the confluence
of the desires and the daring of two men: The leprosy-affected
man who dared to approach Jesus and desired to be healed;
and Jesus who desired to heal him and hence, reached out
and touched him. Both defied the unjust social norms of the day.
The book of Leviticus had provided detailed instructions as to
how to deal with those suffering from leprosy. Anyone diagnosed
to be a leper had to live outside the camp, away from everyone
and as a social outcast (Lev 13:46). But here is a man ‘covered
with leprosy’ daring to approach Jesus and express such hope in
God’s love. How could Jesus deny healing to such a soul who
knew the heart of God! Faith moves not only mountains—it
moves the hands and heart of God as well.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2022