Unclean
In Jesus time, leprosy was almost any kind of skin disease. They just did not have the medical knowledge to understand skin infections. As it is highly contagious, the person with the disease would have to quarantine themselves and if anyone came near them, they would have to proclaim, “Unclean!” We are familiar with having to quarantine. Also, the need to wear masks. We do not have to announce if we are ‘infected.’ We have experienced the isolation and loneliness. Perhaps we can better relate to this gospel passage now.
Jesus does a remarkable thing. He reaches out and touches the man with the disease. This would make Jesus unclean. He could contract the disease. But Jesus’ touch heals the man. We are in a period of waiting for the vaccine to reach us. That one day soon we will reach out to touch one another. But as we wait let us not let time slip away. We can still find ways to visit those who are alone or isolated. Maybe not like how we would want to but that should not stop us. We can reach out to those who are mourning the loss of a loved one. We cannot touch others as Jesus did, but we can ease their pain and discomfort. Jesus experienced every human condition. Then He did something to help. We can do the same. Find ways to help those in need today.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen