Homily

(Borrow a $20 bill from someone in the community.) Who would like to have $20? We all would. (Crinkle up the bill) Who would like to have it now? We all would, again. Why? Because it still has worth no matter what it looks like. (return the $20)

This illustration I offer for you because it might help us know how much God loves each one of us. Jesus heals the man with leprosy in a dramatically simple way compared to the methods described in Leviticus proclaimed in our first reading. By doing so, he is making his power known to the world while also demonstrating the inherent value of humanity. The problem is, do we do the same for each other.

Do we show such value to each other or to those whom we don’t know? Do we show that we value those who talk too much, wear strange clothing, do their hair funny, don’t make a lot of money, don’t share our value system, don’t speak the same language, are stricken with extreme illness, are of a different political affiliation, don’t drive as we would, are of the opposite sex, are homeless, who suffer from HIV or AIDS, are alcoholics, are drug addicts, or a myriad of other categories form whom we might consider “hopeless cases?” Who are the outcasts in your life? Whom do you avoid as if they have leprosy? Maybe you are being called to touch that person and heal them.

Maybe you are the person who has been marginalized or pushed aside. Maybe you feel that you are alone or isolated or a target of another’s ridicule. Maybe you would rather just avoid being with others lest you have to face your pain. Maybe you doubt that God can heal you and restore you to health. Maybe fear has gripped your life so potently that you cannot let go. Again, Jesus has come for you too. Do not be afraid to let Jesus heal you.

All people have worth according to the divine grace given them by God as his creation. Even our very selves. Even the persons who we avoid. Take a moment of silence now and offer your own prayer for healing. Then when you come before Jesus in the Eucharist, as you receive him, let him touch your heart as he touches your flesh and renew you once again. Amen.