6th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; 1 Cor 10:31-11:1; Mk 1:40-45

Leprosy was a most dreaded disease in Biblical times. The first reading is about the special regulation for lepers from the Mosaic Law. It says that “if someone has a boil, an inflammation or a sore on his skin which could develop into leprosy, he must be brought to Aaron the priest, or to one of the priests” (Lev 13:2). The priest was to examine the person and once the leprosy was confirmed, he was to declare the leper unclean. The Law obliged the leper to live outside the cities until the disease lasts, which could easily mean until his death. He must wear worn out clothing, leave his hair uncombed, and must cry, “Unclean, unclean” to warn people of his presence.

There were two factors that contributed to the grave fear of leprosy in Biblical times, which also made lepers the most miserable creatures on earth. First was the conviction that leprosy was highly contagious that it infected anyone who makes even the slightest contact with a leper. And second was the belief that the disease was a punishment for sin.

With this background, we cannot but appreciate the courage and faith of the leper. He probably knew that by Law he was not allowed to approach anybody, much more to a rabbi like Jesus. “If you so will, you can make me clean” (Mk 1:40). By these words, the leper expressed his great faith in the healing power of the Lord.

By allowing the leper to get near Him and to speak with Him, Jesus also showed a special attitude. Seeing the leper, Jesus was deeply moved with pity. He stretched out His hand and touched the leper, saying, “I will; be clean” (Mk 1:41). We should not think that the act was effortless on the part of Jesus. Being truly human, He surely was affected by the fears and apprehensions of people and society. However, His compassion for the leper made Him overcome the fear of leprosy. By curing the leper, Jesus restored his life and his place in the community.

Today, leprosy already is highly curable and no longer causes great fear to people (though leprosy remains a great problem in many third world countries). There are, however, new diseases that cause a lot of fear and anxiety to people of modern times such as cancer and HIV/AIDS.

People who are seriously ill should find in today’s readings courage and hope in the abiding and healing presence of Jesus. They should learn to see their sickness not as punishment from God but as part of the vulnerable state of all human life as affected by original sin. If they feel the need to confess a serious sin, they should do so and receive forgiveness from God who is full of mercy and compassion.

The readings also should inspire health care professionals to give patients their expertise together with their friendship. Dame Cicely Saunders, the founder of the modern hospice movement, used to recall how she was touched by the remark of one of her patients, “I want what is in your mind and in your heart.” She understood from this appeal that patients need not only her medical expertise but also her personal involvement as well, which really means her warm, personal care, something that perhaps has been neglected in the health care profession’s quest for cures and technical excellence.

Finally, the readings should move all of us to keep a positive attitude towards the sick and the dying. Like Jesus, we must do whatever we can to provide company, comfort and healing to our ailing brothers and sisters. What Mother Teresa of Calcutta once said remains true: “There is much suffering in the world - very much. Yet, I have come more and more to realize that being unwanted is the worst disease that any human being can ever experience.”