The Gospel continues to report the miraculous healings that Jesus performed in Galilee. Today we hear of Jesus healing a man with leprosy. In Jesus’ time, however, religious and social taboos dictated the behaviour of those with leprosy, and other skin diseases. People with leprosy lived in isolation from the community. They were instructed to rip their clothes and to announce their presence with loud cries when moving in the community. If the sores of leprosy healed, the Law of Moses provided a purification rite that permitted the person to return to the community.
In today’s Gospel, the man with leprosy took the initiative, approaching Jesus and asking for healing. In doing so, the leper violated the religious customs of the day by approaching a person who was clean. His request to Jesus can be interpreted as a courageous and daring act. The confidence of the leper in Jesus’ ability to heal him is evident in the words of his request. But his words can also be read as a challenge to Jesus, asking just how far Jesus was willing to extend himself in order to heal someone. While healing the man, Jesus touched him, which also violated established social norms. This is an important sign of the depth of Jesus’ compassion for the man and an important statement about Jesus’ interpretation of the Law of Moses.
After this healing, it became difficult for Jesus to travel freely. There are several possible explanations for this. There might have been concern about the repercussions of Jesus’ breach of social and religious norms. In touching the man with leprosy, Jesus made himself unclean, and his movement was hampered by his popularity. Despite his instructions, the cured man spread the word about Jesus’ healing power. Good news is to be shared, sharing the blessings the Lord has given us.