As a way of ending the general presentation of Jesus' ministry, Mark depicts a truly extraordinary healing for his readers. Later in the same gospel we will encounter more healing miracles of other diseases. What makes this healing exceptional is the fact that the sick, according to law, cannot approach anyone. However, this man “a leper came to Jesus...” is an action that defies all the prohibitions of the law. We cannot imagine how he was able to approach Jesus without being restrained by those who saw him coming because someone should have shouted to chase him far away.

By providence, the liturgy presents this gospel on the day the Church is celebrating the World Day of the Sick. The theme for this year’s celebration chosen by Pope Francis is: “It is not good that man should be alone”. Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships. It is well known to all that the first consequence for a leper was to isolate himself from all. For it is not only just any sort of disease but it also rendered those affected unclean, outcast from society and unfit for worship. Jesus was the only one who welcomed this 1eper to come to him.

Taking inspiration from the book of Genesis, “It is not good that man should be alone” (cf. Gen 2:18). Pope Francis remind all of us that: “From the beginning, God, who is love, created us for communion and endowed us with an innate capacity to enter into relationship with others. Our lives, reflecting the image of the Trinity, are meant to attain fulfilment through a network of relationships, friendships, and love, both given and received. We were created to be together, not alone precisely because this project of communion is so deeply rooted in the human heart.  We see the experience of abandonment and solitude as something frightening, painful and even inhuman.” A message against the cruelest leprosy of our time, the indifference toward those who are sick.

“At this time of epochal change”, continues the Pope, “We, Christians in particular are called to adopt the compassion-filled gaze of Jesus. Let us care for those who suffer and are alone, perhaps marginalized and cast aside. With the love for one another that Christ the Lord bestows on us in prayer, especially in the Eucharist, let us tend the wounds of solitude and isolation.” 

Jesus is the One who, with His words and touch cleanses this man who approached Him. According to the Law, leprosy would definitely ruin one’s life by touch alone because they automatically become unclean. However, Jesus did the opposite; He cleansed the leper with His touch. “I do will it. Be made clean.”

The message of the Pope for this World Day of the Sick came as tremendous help for all to contemplate the many situations of isolation today; “It is not good that man should be alone”. Healing the Sick by Healing Relationships. Let us turn to the Lord in times of trouble and begin to experience the joy of salvation as our lives proclaim it to others, especially those who suffer.