Help Restore the Lives of Others

Help Restore the Lives of Others
 
Christ instructs His Apostles to “cleanse lepers”.  In those times the lepers were not only suffering from a disease but were “cut off” from social interaction.  If healed, then they could resume social relations.  In our time leprosy has come to mean a particular form of degenerative skin disease, but in those times it was not defined so strictly.

Bringing people back into relationship with God, and with other people, is a way to resolve the problem of the “leper”.  Such people require proper care and instruction.  Their healing also requires that they respond to God’s Word, and be open to change in their lives.  The process of “cleansing” the leper could be lengthy.  Healing sometimes comes gradually, and the soul must have time to grow under the inspiration of God.

The problem of the “leper” may exist for people who are marginalized, or pushed to the side, or avoided for being different.  People should be seen in as positive a light as possible. We should not create suffering for others. We should treat others with love and respect.

Reflection Questions:
 
· What was the social condition of “lepers” in the time of Christ?

· In what ways can we reconcile people who have been placed on the margin of society?