to; be clean.” The leprosy left the man at once and he was made clean. As Jesus sent the man
away, he sternly warned him, “Don’t tell anyone about this, but go and show yourself to the
priest; and for the cleansing, bring the offering ordered by Moses; in this way, you will give
to them your testimony.”

However, as soon as the man went out, he began spreading the news everywhere, so
that Jesus could no longer openly enter any town. But even though he stayed in the rural
areas, people came to him from everywhere.

Reflect.

I n today’s Gospel, Jesus offers healing to a leper. The evangelist tells us explicitly that Jesus
touched the leper! That would have been a huge surprise to the people around Jesus. In Israel,
lepers were outcasts from their families and communities, forced to live apart in shame and
loneliness, considered unclean and not permitted to participate in public worship.


By touching the leper, Jesus took on his uncleanness and offered healing and wholeness
in its place. Is it any wonder that, despite Jesus’ warning to remain silent about the cure,
the man had to share his good news with everyone he met. When something wonderful
happens to us – a promotion, an engagement, the birth of a child – we want everyone to
know. Our joy fills us so that it bursts out of us to be shared with others.

And what is the Gospel except good news? Pope Francis speaks often of the joy of the
Gospel. We know that Jesus has saved us from death and wants us to be with him forever
in heaven. How can we not share this good news with everyone we meet.

© Copyright Bible Diary 2022