In St. Matthew’s gospel, Jesus begins his public ministry with the Sermon on the Mount. In the Sermon Jesus lays out what the life of his followers should look like, how they should act. After the sermon he comes down from the mountain and it immediately confronted with a human problem — illness and isolation. St. Matthew not only has Jesus talk about a life in God but also demonstrates it by his actions. Lepers in ancient Israel were banished from human contact as “unclean” and no one was to have anything to do with them. Confronted with this situation Jesus breaks the social taboo and demonstates care and concern. Jesus stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I will do it. Be made clean.” It was the touch, the loving touch, that brought about healing. For us as well, it is our willingness to stretch out and touch those who are hurting which will heal our broken world.
JUNE282024
By Church Staff
