Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time

We know instinctively that leprosy is an affliction to be feared and dreaded. It has the reputation of being contagious, hence dangerous, and contact with those afflicted with leprosy should be kept to a minimum lest the disease spread. The social stigma associated with leprosy and related skin ailments forms the background to our first reading today, while the gospel recounts the earnest request of a leper to Jesus to be healed. The book of Leviticus imposes isolation and exclusion on those suffering from leprosy, in fact such unfortunates found themselves outcasts from the social and religious life of the community. They suffered the added burden, when in proximity to towns and villages, of having to declare aloud that they were unclean.

The Lord Jesus, who “bore our illnesses and carried our diseases”, responded instantly and with immense compassion to this afflicted individual who had the faith to approach him. Breaking with convention, he touched the leper and healing followed immediately. JesusHealLeper.gifThe Evangelist Mark here provides us with a marvellous illustration of the power of the Son of God when confronted with sickness and suffering. Thanks to this saving encounter, the man could now resume a normal life, rejoin the worshipping community, and rediscover the joy and satisfaction of belonging. Little wonder he could not contain his joy and proceeded to tell everyone about it.

The lessons of today’s liturgical readings seem obvious. Christ through his Church is the One who integrates and unites, who breaks down barriers and restores us to that togetherness intended by God for all his children. What does divide and isolates are the sin and self-seeking which can lie deep within us. The Church founded by Christ is the place of healing and restoration, and through the sacraments the life of the Son of God flows through our veins. Christ admits us into the company of those he has healed and washed clean by his cross and resurrection. Let us imitate the faith of that leper and rediscover the joy of coming home.

+Michael Campbell OSA

Coadjutor Bishop of Lancaster