Give Forgive and truly Live

Greetings on this the Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Readings: Lv 13:1-2, 44-46; Ps 32:1-2, 5, 11; 1 Cor 10:31—11:1; Mk 1:40-45

Notes

The first reading today seems to be impossible today. Someone publicly admitting to a moral defect? Impossible, or nearly so. Leprosy (or scaly infections) are particular in treatment because they were quite visible, associated with death and traditionally connected with punishment by the deity (see NABRE commentary https://bible.usccb.org/bible/leviticus/13?1#03013001-1).

“The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”

How difficult it is to go to confession. How even more difficult it is to do so publicly!

Yet for the good of all, those who had leprosy did several things for the benefit of all:

1. Go to a priest to confirmthe suspected illness.
2. Rent garment, shave one’s head, cover one’s beard.
3. Live outside the camp.

How can one do these things and survive? Cooperation and being embraced by the Religious and the Laity:

1. A priest willing to see, touch and inspect.
2. Provide for the one with leprosy outside the camp with housing, food, medicine, support.
3. Receive them back again fully and completely.

This, this is how people have courage to deal with their problems and mistakes. It is a community effort not of exclusion but of a certain controlled inclusion that tends to the needs, all of them, as the healing process takes place.

“Forgiveness is the oxygen that purifies the air of hatred; forgiveness is the antidote to the poisons of resentment; it is the way to defuse anger and heal so many maladies of the heart that contaminate society,” the pope said before praying the Angelus with some 20,000 people gathered in St. Peter’s Square Sept. 17.

Source: https://www.usccb.org/news/2023/pope-confessors-faithful-forgive-always-god

Summary

In today’s second reading Saint Paul makes the case that in order to receive people we must not judge people. Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or
the church of God. There is no need to judge, point out, focus on the defects of others. None.at.all. It is the domain of humans to help each others through the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual difficulties of life.

Reflection

“I do will it. Be made clean.”

This is the work of the Church in Christ. In every dimension.

Personal Reflection

I am not ignorant of the manipulation, double dealing and advantage driven motives of others (and on occasion my own, as I am not exempt of this malady). I choose to ignore them and keep to the basics. How can humanity benefit? How can we alleviate this difficulty? How can we strike the balance of inclusion and exclusion with the sole purpose of embracing the person?

First Reading

Scaly Infection

“The one who bears the sore of leprosy shall keep his garments rent and his head bare, and shall muffle his beard; he shall cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ As long as the sore is on him he shall declare himself unclean, since he is in fact unclean. He shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the camp.”

Responsorial

I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.

Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you just;
exult, all you upright of heart.

Second Reading

Seek the Good of Others

Avoid giving offense, whether to the Jews or Greeks or the church of God, just as I try to please everyone in every way, not seeking my own benefit but that of the many, that they may be saved. Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

Gospel Acclamation

A great prophet has arisen in our midst, God has visited his people.

Gospel

The Cleansing of a Leper.

A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry