Eldho Augustine csc –
Readings: 1 Jn 5: 5-1; Lk 5: 12-16
The gospel of the day presents the healing of a leper, emphasizing the significance of Jesus’ touch. In Jesus’ time, no one would dare touch a leper due to the fear of contamination. However, Jesus’ touch not only healed the leper physically but also restored him socially, bringing inner healing and reconciliation.
Touch is something we all need but often lack, and we too require healing, including the healing that comes from touch. We must trust in Jesus’ power to bring us healing. But who are the “lepers” of our time? While leprosy has been eradicated in many parts of the world, there are still forms of “leprosy” such as discrimination, selfishness, violence, and abuse. There are people treated as outcasts—those whom society avoids and marginalizes for various reasons.
Victims of contagious diseases are often shunned, and the homeless are ignored as we pass by them on the street. Those struggling with addiction to drugs and alcohol are also excluded. People are marginalized based on race, religion, or disability, and sometimes, individuals are treated as lepers in our own families, workplaces, and social circles. Who is responsible for these “leprosies”? Let us set aside our ego and selfishness and bring healing to the suffering in our society through our touch—whether that means our prayers or reaching out to help those in need.