On spiritual leprosy

The Mosaic Law contained extensive regulations concerning leprosy, including under this name a number of curable or non-curable skin diseases. The leper was compelled to lead an isolated life, wearing a special garb and giving notice of his approach by crying out "Unclean!", in order to prevent contagion. And then anyone who claimed to have been cured from leprosy was obliged to go before the priest (medical doctors were hardly to be found at that time), who would verify the cure and, presumably, give some certificate of legal cleanliness.

Our Lord cured the leper who had presented himself to him, but he spoke sternly to him, because he had violated the prudent regulations of the Mosaic law in coming into contact with others who might receive the contagion. The man is commanded by Jesus to carry out the regulations laid down by the law. This refers to an official attestation of freedom from leprosy, which the man would receive from the priest in order to reassure those who had previously known him as a leper.

Many of us, I am sure, from time to time, look back to the innocent days of our childhood and wish we could turn back the clock and start all over again. Others among us, on the contrary, may feel racked by guilt and exhaust themselves by continuing to harbour thoughts of regret, or scruples, for sins already confessed God knows how many times.

Whatever our feelings, most of us can relate to the leper in today's gospel who beseeches the Lord: "If you wish, you can make me clean! If you wish, you can make me forget the darker moments in my life as if they were never there. Help me, Lord, not to feel an outcast because of my sins, but rather to be closer to you because of my need!"

But turning the page from our feelings about ourselves, how about our attitude towards others: those who may be leading a bad life, or do not share my own political views, or have sometimes not been kind to me? Do I look down on them as outcasts as far as I am concerned? Do I sometimes avoid having anything to do with persons belonging to a different ethnic group, with people of a lower social standing, or level of education?

How would Jesus respond in a similar situation? We see the answer in today's Gospel. He would be "moved with pity", as he did with the leper. He would stretch his loving hand to the 'outcast' and say: "Be made clean, come and join our community, our group!"

And what would Jesus say to those who exclude others from their lives? These too need 'healing' no less than the leper in today's Gospel. He would be moved with pity towards them as well. He would stretch out that same hand and say: "Avoid giving offence to those who are burdened with illness, or are mourning their dead, or to the newly migrated and refugees, to those religiously different from you. These are children of your God, too!"

We must not forget that, after all, Jesus too experienced being an outcast. He was 'different' from all the rest. Though he did belong to the community of his time, he did not think like the rest. He welcomed the outcast, he embraced the very people whom others shunned. No one was kept out of his neighbourhood. And for this he was ostracised and finally silenced. May God give us the light to know what is right in similar circumstances and the courage to do it.