A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said,
"If you wish, you can make me clean."
Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand,
touched him, and said to him,
"I do will it. Be made clean."
Mark 1:40-41
Healing a leper in the time of Jesus was almost like bringing someone back from the dead. To be reunited with the community after living in exile must have been quite freeing of the mind and spirit for that man. He told everyone as it states in the next verses, so I think he was quite enthusiastic. I wonder how the community welcomed the leper? Did they recognize him?. Did they accept him back. Did they judge him and wonder if he still might have some contagion? Did they keep him at a distance or offer him food and drink, and a place to live?
With the news of the serious flu season that seems like it is epidemic, we are all likely more conscious of our vulnerability and that may lead us to avoid being around people we don't know. But let's not forget that our community has several services that feed, clothe, and shelter people in need, and it is important that we pray for and continue to support these communities, through sickness and in healthier times.
