REFLECTIONS TODAY At times in the Bible, different types of skin problem—not necessarily Hansen’s disease—fall into the category of leprosy. Lepers lived solitary lives and, therefore, in loneliness. People avoided them because Jewish law forbade touching lepers (Lv 5:3). They were quarantined from regular society (Lv 13:45-46). Thus, for the Jews, it is no small matter for Jesus to touch the leper. Yet by touching, Jesus does not actually undermine the law of Moses, but fulfills its purpose by providing cleansing. The leper’s gesture of homage to Jesus may not be only a physical sign of respect but also a recognition that Jesus has the right to decide whether to cure or not to cure him. He does not doubt when he asks Jesus about his willingness to make him clean. He completely submits himself under his compassion. Many times, compassion has been Jesus’ primary motivation in his acts of healing. By forbidding the cured man not to make the healing known in public, Jesus evades getting credit for the extraordinary healing that just took place. GOSPEL • MATTHEW 8:1-4 When Jesus came down from the mountain, great crowds followed him. And then a leper approached, did him homage, and said, “Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” He stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” His leprosy was cleansed immediately. Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.” SOURCE: “365 Days with the Lord 2021,” ST. PAULS, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; Fax 632-895-7328; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.