Place yourself in this scripture passage as one called to give testimony to the truth of God living in the witness of your faith. God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. In this encounter of Jesus touching a beggar, we witness a powerful transformation.
A stranger falls at Jesus’ feet, begging to be cleansed of leprosy. This intrusion shocks the newly invited friends of Jesus to accompany him in discipleship. They witness Jesus stretch out his hand and touch the diseased man who is highly contagious.
Jesus performs a forbidden act by touching the unclean victim. He puts his disciples at risk as well. We know the seriousness of this action when Jesus orders them not to tell anyone. Word of this spread like wildfire with the contrary act of drawing people to Jesus to be cured. The consequence is for the disciples to follow Jesus into the desert to fast and pray. The paradox is that those excluded by their disease now draw crowds seeking healing.
Try this simple prayer. Fall at the feet of Jesus as a beggar wanting only the touch of Jesus. A prayer of the heart – if you wish, you can make me clean. The healing was an immediate experience. A time in prayer with the Lord is an opportunity for purification, cleansing, and healing.
The central witness is the courage to touch another person. Social contagious diseases remain prevalent among us. We are careful to wear masks and wash our hands to protect our eyes. New strains of COVID remain a concern regarding contagion. Think of the healing touches you have given and offered to you. Do you open yourself to the touch God makes available in prayer?
Let us Pray:
Praise be to you for your willingness to reach out and touch me. I come to you with open hands seeking communion, and you come to feed me with eternal life. Out of love, you fully embraced our humanity, and when sentenced to death for our sins, you conquer death with eternal life. Your touch is expressed in the banquet of eternal life, your body and blood given for the life of the world. Amen.