Commentary on the Gospel of
In today’s Gospel, Jesus offers healing to a leper. The evangelist tells us explicitly that Jesus touched the leper! That would have been a huge surprise to the people around Jesus. In Israel, lepers were outcasts from their families and communities, forced to live apart in shame and loneliness, considered unclean and not permitted to participate in public worship. By touching the leper, Jesus took on his uncleanness and offered healing and wholeness in its place.
Is it any wonder that, despite Jesus’ warning to remain silent about the cure, the man had to share his good news with everyone he met. When something wonderful happens to us – a promotion, an engagement, the birth of a child – we want everyone to know. Our joy fills us so that it bursts out of us to be shared with others.
And what is the Gospel except good news? Pope Francis speaks often of the joy of the Gospel. We know that Jesus has saved us from death and wants us to be with him forever in heaven. How can we not share this good news with everyone we meet.
