Thoughts for the Day

Jesus Cleanses a Leper

Once, when he was in one of the cities, there was a man covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he bowed with his face to the ground and begged him, ‘Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean.’ Then Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, ‘I do choose. Be made clean.’ Immediately the leprosy left him. And he ordered him to tell no one. ‘Go’, he said, ‘and show yourself to the priest, and, as Moses commanded, make an offering for your cleansing, for a testimony to them.’ But now more than ever the word about Jesus spread abroad; many crowds would gather to hear him and to be cured of their diseases. But he would withdraw to deserted places and pray.

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

In Advent we looked at symbols, among other things, of the coming of the Messiah, and since Christmas we have been looking at evidence of some of those carried out. The Prophet Isaiah spoke more than any other Prophet of the Messiah who would heal and rescue the people (35.4-6 and 61.1). He doesn't speak of leprosy in particular, but nevertheless the healing of the leper in today's reading encompasses so much more, for the bacterial infection often led to damage of the nerves affecting the skin and joints throughout the body, as well as the respiratory tract and the eyes. It also occurred at a time when there was no cure for leprosy, and any touch was deemed fatal for another person. Yet here in Luke's account Jesus touches the man!

This reminded me of two things. First, the early weeks of the Covid pandemic, when people of all ages (many of whom were fit) were dying of the disease and when there was no news of a vaccination. Remember the two metre rule, and the way we avoided strangers? Second, the television news here recently showed a Salvation Army Major opening the doors to the homeless (despite the citadel being short of money) because it had turned so cold. As they entered, each of the ragged men and women received an instinctive bear-like hug of welcome from the Major, followed by a great big smile!

If we look back at Luke's account, we should notice two things, the leper uses the word "Lord" acknowledging Jesus as the Messiah and as his Saviour. Secondly he asks to be made "clean" that is to be restored to ritual purity and thus restored to his people once more. Our God welcomes us into His life no matter our circumstances!

Lord Jesus Christ,
we ask for healing today -
from our pride,
our lack of humility,
our selfishness,
and our lack of sympathy for others.
Teach us to welcome all people
as You welcomed all who came to You,
for so some have welcomed saints!
Amen.