The first reading and the Gospel contrast the old and new law. As we hear in Leviticus, lepers were considered outcasts. No one went near them, much less touch them. They were the “untouchables.” Jesus represents the new order of things. In today’s Gospel from Mark, he shows incredible love, compassion, and tenderness to those previously considered “dead” by the rest of society. The leper approaches Jesus (forbidden at the time) and Jesus touches him and heals him.
Who do we treat as “untouchable”? Those who are poor, homeless, in a different social class, not as intelligent, not as pretty? Who do we shun? The message today is the leper had great faith in approaching Jesus and asking to be cured. In touching the leper and curing him, Jesus is teaching us we are all his children; we are all “touchable” in his eyes—no differences are made because of
physical attributes or other afflictions. If we want to follow Jesus, we must treat others like he did so that loving our neighbor means loving the rest of humankind.
As we get ready for the Season of Lent, our Holy Father has written a wonderful Lenten Message. The Pope's Lenten call for the church to become "an island of mercy in the sea of indifference!" He reminds us that Lent is a time of renewal and invites us to “make our hearts firm.” It is a beautiful message and a great call for each of us. Give it a read – in fact root it into your prayer at some point this Lent.