Mk 1:40-45
In the modern world, the disease of leprosy is seldom heard of anymore. For the most part, it has almost been eradicated from the face of the earth.
However, at the time of the writing of Mark’s Gospel, leprosy was still a contagious disease. The person who contracted the disease not only had to contend with the illness, but he or she was ostracized from the rest of society.
Although there are many types of leprosy, the basic form of leprosy consisted of an open cancerous sore. By law the leper had to stay out of public places; if he or she came near other people, he or she had to announce his or her presence by crying out, “Unclean! Unclean!”
The Gospel narrative not only carries with a theological point, but it portrays Jesus as one who heals by touch. The first readers of this passage would have cringed with disbelief, because one did not touch a leper—as Jesus did. To do so was to place oneself in jeopardy of getting the disease.
Mark’s Jesus is one of compassion, however. He is moved with pity for the leper. So, he stretches out his hand and touches him. An echo from the Old Testament is heard here. The mighty hand of God is extended and mighty deeds result. In the person of Jesus of Nazareth, Mark is declaring, God has visited his people.
Another of Mark’s theological points deals with the importance of inclusion in society. Because leprosy separated people, Mark emphasizes that Jesus’ healing re-unites people. So the man is told to show himself to the priest, who was responsible for reinstating cured lepers to the community. Mark is declaring that people segregate themselves; Jesus brought people together.
A third important point to note in this healing story is the fact that the man proclaims the mighty deeds of God in his life. Because of his experience of healing, he declares what God has done for him. In effect, Mark is saying that this man has become a disciple. He is contrasted, of course, to the “official” disciples, who never recognize Jesus throughout Mark’s Gospel.
Today, the disease that is in need of healing, the disease that separates people is AIDS. AIDS has become the new leprosy. Mark’s Jesus reminds his readers that an AIDS patient needs compassion, understanding, and acceptance. The worst thing that can happen is ostracization.
The person with leprosy (read AIDS), Mark cautions, may be an authentic disciple of Jesus. He or she may be proclaiming the mighty deeds of God in his or her life. However, if ostracized by others, these others may never hear this good news.