On Lepers
Excerpt on Lectio Divina’s reflection on the Gospel reading for the Thursday of the first week in Ordinary Time (Mark 1:40:45)
People of Jesus’ time considered lepers outcasts of the society. They were driven from their homes and communities, and left to survive on their own. They were even considered already dead by their own relatives. Jewish law forbade anyone from touching or approaching a leper for the fear of ritual defilement.
When approached by a leper, Jesus touched him and healed him. He demonstrated love, compassion, and tenderness.
The question we have to ask ourselves: How do we approach those who are difficult to love or who are shunned by others because of their deformities or defects? Do we show them love, compassion, and tenderness as Jesus did?
