11 February 2024: Mark 1:40-45 (Sixth Sunday)

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Please read the passage before the comments on it.

My sisters and brothers,

A leper came to Jesus.  Jesus touched him and made him clean.  By touching him, Jesus also made himself unclean so that he could not go into a town openly.  Healing and comfort.  Having leprosy was something like having COVID several years ago.  People with COVID had to go into isolation and the rest had to wear facemasks.

We have conquered leprosy and COVID is somewhat contained.  There is, however, still many who suffer.  The world still needs Jesus to step forward, touch the filth and pus of the world’s suffering and bring healing.

Like Jesus, we are sons and daughters of God.  We have inherited his mission of mercy.  Whether the need be our indigenous peoples who live in extreme poverty, our Afro-American people still suffering discrimination and the effects of Jim Crow laws, or the needs of those suffering from the negative effects of war and violence, we are called as sons and daughters of God to touch the afflicted and bring healing and comfort.

Lent starts Wednesday.  It is a time to renew our baptismal commitment to Christ.  It is time to touch those whom others consider unclean.  It is time to undo the fetters that bind the poor and disadvantaged to their dis-ease and crippling standard of living.  During Lent our fasting must enable others to feast.  During Lent, what will we do to free those bound, to heal the broken hearted, to forgive injuries, to promote justice, safety, and honor?  This Lent is a gift from God, as children of the father and siblings to Jesus, how will bring the presence of Jesus to others in this time of grace?