The Cleansing of a Leper

Today's Reflections

                               

 

     

The Cleansing of a Leper

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Mt 8:1-4

¹When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. ²And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” ³He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. ⁴Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

Reflection:

Jesus touched the leper. The leper approaches Jesus, though he is not supposed to do so. Jesus touches the leper, though he is not supposed to do so either. Jesus does not hesitate to touch those who come to him, seeking his compassion.

We should never be afraid to come to him no matter how unclean or sinful we seem to be in our own eyes or in the eyes of people. Jesus has come for our salvation, to restore us to wholeness.

By his touch, Jesus conveys the love of God. By our touch— a reassuring hug, a comforting embrace, a grip of friendship, a stroking of the head, a tap on the shoulder—we can also convey God’s love to others.

Let our touch be God’s touch for others.