Thursday of the
First Week in Ordinary Time
(Hebrews 3:7-14; Mark 1:40-45)
Kent Brantley is the American missionary-doctor who
contracted the Ebola virus while treating patients in Africa. He survived but
had to spend almost three weeks in isolation to treat the disease. Much like Jesus in today’s gospel, Dr.
Brantley became an untouchable in caring for untouchables.
The passage reflects dramatically the Christian message.
Jesus, the Son of God, became human to humans from deadly sinfulness. In the process he delivers himself up to
death. This trajectory is anticipated in
the gospel reading. Jesus cures a leper
by touching him. Whether or not he
contracts the disease, he goes into isolation as commanded by the Mosaic
Law. But this retreat does not stop
people from flocking to him with their problems.
We need not
hesitate to go to Jesus as well. He is
here to help us. Countless testimonies
have been given of how he has cured diseases.
His teaching guides us to a just and honorable life. Most significantly,
Jesus has won for us the Father’s favor.
He has gained special privileges so that we have access to eternal life.
