Leprosy in the New Testament is sometimes symbolic of such spiritual conditions as unforgiveness, anger, bitterness, resentment, hatred, self-hatred, and other sins.

Leprosy can appear as a scab (Lv 13:2). A scab is a wound that has closed and is beginning to heal. Scabs often itch. We are tempted to pick at them, re-open the wound, and lose the healing already received. Are you "picky"? Are you itching to say something to a certain someone? Don't pick at your wound. Turn to Jesus to continue to heal your leprous scab.

Leprosy sometimes appears as a pustule (Lv 13:2). A pustule is a type of growth caused by an infection. A pustule contains an infected liquid called pus, which must be drained in a sterile way so as not to cause more infection. A pustule has increasing pressure on it to come to a head and expel its pus. Are you infected with sin? Will you infect others? Do you feel mounting pressure to spew out your pus, venom, or poison? Jesus felt this way on the cross, but He poured out love rather than hate. Turn to Jesus to heal your leprous pustule.

Leprosy can appear as a blotch (Lv 13:2). We could think of it as an allergic reaction. Are there certain people, statements, or circumstances which cause you to "break out" in fear, anxiety, defensiveness, confusion, or anger? Let Jesus touch your leprous blotches and their causes (see Mk 1:41).

Only Jesus heals lepers. We are leprous. We need Jesus.

Nihil Obstat:  Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, August 1, 2002

Imprimatur:  †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, August 7, 2002