Our society and churches are filled with lepers. These people don't have physical leprosy, which is Hanson's disease, but the spiritual leprosy of self-hatred. They continually "cry out 'Unclean, Unclean!' " (Lv 13:45) They do things to turn people away from them. They even tell God to stay away from them. They wallow in depression and degrade themselves through self-destructive compulsions such as overeating, alcoholism, gambling, TV addiction, sexual promiscuity, masturbation, gossip, etc.

Only one Person can cure leprosy — Jesus. In our leprous condition, we must kneel down and make an act of faith in Jesus, saying: "If You will do so, You can cure" us (Mk 1:40). He will have mercy on us, stretch out His hand, touch us, and say: "I do will it. Be cured" (Mk 1:41). Then we will be freed from years of self-hatred and self-destruction. We will no longer be degraded by the tyranny of doing what feels good. We will be truly free and fully alive.

Then we should tell the good news of our healing to whomever the Lord leads us. These people may also be lepers. They may have been discouraged by the lepers in their family and church. By sharing our healing, we will open them to Jesus. They will no longer tell Jesus to stay away from them, but will let Him touch them.

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 2011

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