January 10, 2025

Luke 5:12-16

In this reading, a man with leprosy sees Jesus and falls prostrate at his feet, pleading with him to heal him.  Jesus stretches out his hand and touches him, saying, “I will do it. Be made clean.” The man is healed immediately. Jesus instructs him not to tell anyone, but to go to the priest and make offerings for cleansing according to the law of Moses, which would restore the man to his place in society.  Despite Jesus’ admonition, the news of his healing spreads and great crowds gathered to listen to him and be cured of their illnesses, but Jesus withdraws to deserted places to pray.

A few points are notable in this story. First, no one would ever touch a leper, out of fear of catching it.  Yet Jesus was not afraid to touch him and indeed to heal him.  This shows that God is not afraid to touch our illnesses and our deep dark places that need healing.  God is there even when we feel marginalized and outcast and unacceptable to society. 

Secondly, this shows that God has the power to heal, but sometimes we need to ask.  It is through throwing ourselves at God’s feet that we allow the healing connection to happen.  In other passages, this is called “faith.” 

And thirdly, it may still be helpful to follow society’s customs and conventions, as when the man who has been healed of leprosy is instructed to go to the priest and make the customary offerings.  This reestablishes harmony with society.

Let us pray for Jesus’ touch of healing light in our deep, dark hidden places that are calling out for healing.