1ST READING
In ancient times, leprosy was considered a very contagious disease and there was no known cure. Only in recent times were medicines developed to treat it. Linking leprosy, a physical disease with uncleanness, to sin is unfair. There is no link between sin and leprosy. However, in societies with little medical knowledge, emphasizing the need to avoid contact with particular diseases was often accomplished by giving religious reasons for doing so. This is what we read about here. It is wrong, but nevertheless, it was the practice of the society that time.
Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 2 “If someone has on his skin a scab or pustule or blotch which appears to be the sore of leprosy, he shall be brought to Aaron, the priest, or to one of the priests among his descendants. 44 If the man is leprous and unclean, the priest shall declare him unclean by reason of the sore on his head. 45 “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!’ 46 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.”
P S A L M
Psalm 32:1-2, 5, 11
R: I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble, and you fill me with the joy of salvation.
1 Blessed is he whose fault is taken away, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed the man to whom the Lord imputes not guilt, in whose spirit there is no guile. (R) 5 Then I acknowledged my sin to you, my guilt I covered not. I said, “I confess my faults to the Lord,” and you took away the guilt of my sin. (R) 11 Be glad in the Lord and rejoice, you just; exult, all you upright of heart. (R)
2ND READING
Paul is sure of himself. He presents himself as a model for others, as he is sure that he has modeled himself on Christ. We should also model ourselves after Christ’s life and be an example for others to follow.
1 Corinthians 10:31–11:1
31 Brothers and sisters, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God. 32 Avoid giving offense, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God, 33 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. 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.
GOSPEL
Jesus is a man of mercy. Here, He heals a man with leprosy. As a result this man will be able to re-enter society again as a normal and active member. As a leper, he was marginalized. Leprosy is to the body what sin is to the spirit. A sinner cannot be united with God as His love rejects all sin. This is where the mercy of God comes in and He forgives our sins. Let us avail of every opportunity we are given to repent and be cleansed of our sins.
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
A great prophet has arisen in our midst, God has visited his people.
Mark 1:40-45
40A leper came to Jesus and kneeling down begged him and said, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” 41Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, “I do will it. Be made clean.” 42The leprosy left him immediately, and he was made clean. 43Then, warning him sternly, he dismissed him at once. 44He said to him, “See that you tell no one anything, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer for your cleansing what Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” 45The man went away and began to publicize the whole matter. He spread the report abroad so that it was impossible for Jesus to enter a town openly. He remained outside in deserted places, and people kept coming to him from everywhere.
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