Friday, February 10, 2006

Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year B)

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him. (Mk 1:40-45)




LEPROSY

In the bible the term leprosy is not limited to Hansen's disease but to all skin diseases that are painful, repugnant and often, incurable. These skin diseases are considered a living death.

Leprosy is looked upon not as a disease that needs healing, but as uncleanness that seeks cleansing.

It is also seen as punishment from God.

Lepers are outcasts. They can not enter cities and villages. Those who dare enter are driven away with stones. They carry bells with them and shout "Unclean! Unclean!" to warn people of their presence. They can not be less than ten arms-length from people.

We surely would be shocked at such inhumane treatment. But we must remember that in those days those skin diseases had no known cure and healthy people had to be protected from contracting the disease.
Moreover, in the Old Testament God said: "You must be holy as I am holy." Leprosy mars the outward sign of that holiness. Hence, lepers must be separated from Israel.

A STORY

Carol Archer was sent by Shanti Foundation, an AIDS support group, in order to assist a 31-yr old patient who was dying of the disease. He was alone. When lesions appeared all over his body, family and friends abandoned him.

Carol was helping him make his will and the arrangements for his burial, he began to weep. Carol reached out to him and hugged him. The man wept uncontrollably. After a while, he ragained his composure. The man looked at her and said: "No one has ever dared to touch me for a long time."

LESSON

We may never have the opportunity to hug an AIDS patient. But everyday we do have the opportunity to hug people whom we love.

I read a poster that says: "Have you hugged someone today? I did and it felt great. Four hugs a day are necessary for survival. Eight hugs for maintenance. And twelve for growth."

Husbands and wives, parents and children, when was the last time you hugged each other?

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