Gospel, Mark 1:40-45 See the commentary after today’s first reading regarding leprosy and Jewish understanding of both cause and cure. The leper in this account was rather bold, coming up so close to Jesus rather than keeping his distance and calling out “unclean!” OR he had such confidence in Jesus’ healing power (as clearly indicated in his statement) that he knew Jesus was immune from catching the disease.
It gives us cause to consider what our confidence level is as we approach God in prayer or follow what we sense to be God’s will but don’t really know where it is going. You may have read the account passed around by email of the person who had a sense from God to go buy a gallon of milk, then to bring it to a certain house. Feeling rather embarrassed to go up to a strange house to give them a gallon of milk, he discovers that the family had no money and needed milk for their baby. Whether an actual happening or an inspirational fable, I don’t know, but it illustrates the point…we do best to follow what we sense to be God’s will and let God surprise us as God takes care of a plan beyond our understanding.
Regardless of Jesus admonition to the opposite, who could blame the former leper for telling everyone about what Jesus had done for him? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we were all such good evangelizers, sharing with others how we have experienced the goodness of God in our lives? Jesus was concerned both for the number of people who would descend upon him seeking favors as well as their stopping at that rather than going on from the healings to become hearers of his message. Well, the resurrected Jesus doesn’t get tired out from crowds, but he may still be concerned that people stop at asking favors rather than going on to be hearers of the word.
Reading 1, Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46 The Greek word “lepis” means a scale or flake and is the base word for “leprosy”. The symptoms described in this text from Leviticus describe a variety of skin blotches or lesions, but although the Hebrew word tzara-at is translated as “leprosy”, it does not share the major symptoms of Hansen’s disease, what today in a more limited scope is referred to as leprosy. Hansen’s disease exhibits a puffiness of the skin rather than a dry flaky condition. Only 5% of the general population is susceptible to the bacteria which causes Hansen’s disease which is only contagious for a few days after treatment is administered.
You have probably heard the term “holistic healing” based on the belief that the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions of the person are closely interconnected both in the development of illness and recovery. As clearly seen in the book of Job as well as numerous other biblical texts, common Jewish thought was that physical suffering is the result of sin and physical well-being the reward for doing God’s will. Leprosy was considered a physical manifestation of a spiritual illness. In that context it is not surprising that the Jewish priest was both the spiritual and medical authority of his community and the person to whom the leper would go both for diagnosis as well as reintegration into the community.
The leper was to cry out, “Impure, impure!”on seeing anyone approach. According to the Talmud the leper does this not only to warn others of possible contagion but also to elicit compassion and prayers on one’s behalf. It was the responsibility of the community to offer support and prayer rather than shun or ignore the afflicted. Nevertheless, given the belief that the leprosy was the result of sin, there would exist a tendency to judge and wonder how the leper had offended God to deserve such an illness.
Reading II, 1 Corinthians 10:31-11:1 This follows on a discussion of whether or not to eat meat and vegetables purchased in the general marketplace or served at table. Sometimes food was brought to a temple as a thanks to the gods prior to being sold in the marketplace. Paul had told people not to be concerned about this unless someone knew for sure that it had been offered in sacrifice. In that case Paul advised not to eat the meat or vegetables, not because it was tainted but out of respect for the conscience of the person who complained (1 Cor. 10:23-30). On that principle, Paul tells us to be sensitive to others and avoid giving offense, trying to do all for the glory of God.
I particularly like the final verse of this selection. The scriptural reference is full of 1’s and the English text is full of I’s…even more so in an earlier translation which I memorized, “Imitate me as I imitate Christ.” One might, at first, think Paul is boasting. Not so, he is challenging both his audience and himself. He is to imitate Christ, and he gives his readers permission to hold him to that high standard. I am mindful of a familiar story from the life of Mother Teresa of Calcutta on being interviewed by a reporter, “Mother Teresa, people say you are a living saint. What do you think about that?” She responded, “Isn’t that what we are all supposed to be?” We are all to be imitators of Christ and challenge ourselves to be an example of such for others.
Thanks for the preaching a Good News
Posted by: Sr. Agnes | February 10, 2009 at 05:45 AM