THE HEALING TOUCH OF JESUS. REFLECTIONS ON MARK 1:40-45.

Brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel, Mark 1:40-45, resonates deeply with our world, where isolation and exclusion cast long shadows on human relations. In the time of Jesus, leprosy was considered as consequence of one’s sin. In the first reading, we all heard how lepers were treated: deemed unclean they were ostracized. We can imagine how difficult it was for them. They were to stay away from the community until their healing which was to be ascertained by the priest.

The first things that strikes one’s attentions is the courage of this leper. He approaches Jesus. He kneels down before Jesus, thus expresses a profound humility, and then utters words with desperation, “If you wish, you can make me clean”.  Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, here lies the essence of our faith: acknowledging our vulnerability before God, being humility before Him, surrendering to God's will, and expressing unwavering faith in the healing power of Jesus. This man’s prayer was very short and simple. No need of many words. We see here the secret of a prayer that really touches the heart of God. 

St Marks says that “Moved with Pity, Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him and said to him, “I do will it. Be clean!” This simple act, in that time and context, shattered societal norms and spoke volumes about Jesus' character. He saw not an outcast, but a child of God, son of Abraham, a human being longing for wholeness. This tangible expression of compassion reveals Jesus' profound love for humanity, transcending barriers of disease and social stigmas. Indeed, God is moved with pity when we come to Him with Faith and Humility.

The message for us today is clear: Let us learn to embrace our vulnerability before God and extend compassion to others, especially those excluded by the society. In a world obsessed with perfection, let us shed our pride and seek Christ with open hearts. Let us remember that true healing often begins with acknowledging our brokenness, surrendering to God's love, and believing in the transformative power of his touch. In the Eucharist, we do more than touching Jesus: we receive him entirely in our heart.

Furthermore, let us consider the broader context of suffering. Just as leprosy isolated individuals then, so too do various factors, like poverty, discrimination, and illness, old age isolate and exclude people today. Let Jesus’ touch inspire us to reach out to those marginalized, ostracized, and deemed “unclean” by society.

Let us remember, sin, too, can be likened to leprosy, separating us from God and each other. Jesus' healing touch offers forgiveness, restoration, and the chance to rejoin the community of faith. This is where the Synod on synodality should lead us. Let us extend this same grace to ourselves and others, remembering that none of us are beyond redemption.

Today’s Gospel challenges us also regarding prejudice: we should pay attention to not exclude anyone by our words and or attitudes.

Rather, let us offer compassion and empathy to those struggling, listen without judgment, extend a helping hand, and pray for their well-being.

Let us learn to embrace our own vulnerabilities: share our struggles openly with God, and maybe with a spiritual director or directrices.

By following Jesus' example, we can create a world where everyone feels seen, valued, and embraced, loved. Let us be conduits of his love, extending a healing touch to all, especially those who, like the leper, stand on the fringes, longing for wholeness. Let us be instruments of Jesus’ healing touch and  transformation, starting with ourselves, today.