Jesus is approached by a man suffering from leprosy seeking to be cleansed from this contagious disease.  The law required such a person to live in isolation, forbidding all public contact. They were to call out, “unclean,” warning others of their disease. With compassion, Jesus extends his hand to touch the suffering man, freeing him from pain so he can return to his community.

The passage reminded me of my suffering with shingles when the rash first appeared. As a teacher, I wanted to ensure my students were not at risk of the virus. In the classroom, I experienced fatigue that left me exhausted with stabbing pain around the rash on my upper body.

Unable to sleep, I spent time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament as a form of therapy. Like the person in this gospel, I wanted Jesus to stretch out his hand to touch me with healing.

As important as physical healing may be, Jesus offers us a greater gift. The Eucharist sacramentally remembers his suffering and death to cleanse us from our sins. In the presence of the Eucharist, we bow down and say, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”

The Rule of Life of the Congregation of the Blessed Sacrament asks us to be mindful of our sins, including our selfishness, apathy, and complicity in injustice (Rule of Life #25). We offer the Father our lives in exchange for the life of his Son. The mission of Christ is entrusted to the Body of Christ, the Church.

Let us pray.

Jesus, lead us to find a deserted place of silence, away from the crowd and the noise of daily life. Let us experience your touch in quiet prayer, rest in your presence, and be transformed by your compassionate love. Amen.