Discrimination

~~~ Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time ~~~

~~~ Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46 ~~~ Psalm 32 ~~~ 

~~~ 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1 ~~~ Mark 1:40-45 ~~~

‘Unclean, unclean!’

The laws were exactly spelled out in the book of Leviticus.

It was very important, if you were to be a good Jew,

 to follow the laws as prescribed.

That meant that if you had any kind of skin sore 

you were considered to be unclean.

If you were unclean you were ostracized from the general public,

but more importantly you could not join in temple worship.

You were barred from hearing the readings and the teachings.

You were were at greater risk of falling into darkness.

If and when you were healed you had to present yourself 

before the elders as proof.

Then you were granted permission 

to return to the temple for worship.

You no longer had to publicly announce

 your presence in the street. 

Jesus did not come to abolish the law.

He came to show the people a better way...

a more compassionate way.

The leper came to Jesus to be healed.

He wanted to be fully restored into his community.

He wanted to be freed from his affliction.

Lepers were discriminated against at all levels of society.

Jesus cured the leper, but he also directed him

 to present himself to the elders.

Jesus wants to cure and cleanse each of us...

in mind, body, soul and spirit.

Jesus desires for us to be united with our community.

Standing on the outside looking in creates unrest and tension.

Those who were unclean were judged by others 

at all levels not just because of their physical diseases.

Who do we ostracize in our life today?

Is it the person who dresses differently...

whose skin is a different color

...who lives in a different area...who has less money...?

We all discriminate at one level or another.

Jesus removes the label of unclean.

He offers healing and forgiveness to all who come to him.

Jesus lived doing everything for the glory of God.

Saint Paul speaks to each of us...

Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

If we must discriminate...let it be to give 

God glory in everything.

Blessed to have the means to remain united to our community.

God restores all to wholeness and cleanliness.

~~~Peace~~~