Be Clean

 

A leper came to Jesus and, kneeling, he begged him, "If you choose, you can make me clean." Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, "I do choose. Be made clean!" (Mark 1:40-45)

Leprosy is a terrible illness. In those days 2000 years ago a leper was thrown out of every town and village. He was ostracised from society. He was feared. He lived alone, in poverty, starvation, and died alone. No family. No friends. No one to care for him or even bury him when he's dead.

Since then, we have had many plagues and epidemics throughout the world and throughout the years. 

And whenever they happen, people tend to react the same way. Suspicion and uneasiness as to its seriousness, fear as to how it could affect us and our loved ones, ignorance and contradictions as to what it is and how it is spread, conspiracy theories, confusion, every man for himself, and indeed many other emotions you can think of and add to the list.

But what does Jesus have to offer to this list of emotions?

Pity. Mercy. Love. Compassion. Healing. Hope. Salvation. New beginning. 

Can you add any more to Christ's list?

Better still, can you offer any of these to someone in need?