The Man with Leprosy Mark 1: 40-45

Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy. Image cf. Google Images

⁴⁰ A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”  ⁴¹ Jesus was indignant.  He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” ⁴² Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.  ⁴³ Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: ⁴⁴ “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” ⁴⁵ Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

Today's Gospel -

1.      When caught in a crowd (rush hour, Christmas crunch, etc.,) what    do you do?

2.      Why is the leper unsure of Jesus’ desire to help? ( Leviticus 13) What is significant about Jesus touching him prior to healing him? What do the crowds expect?

3.      Where do you need His special touch this week? How can you “touch lepers” in your community?

cf. Parish Bulletin, Feb. 12, 2012