1st Reading 2 Kings 25:1-12
Psalm Ps. 137: 1-2.3.4-5.6 (R. 6ab)
Gospel Matthew 8: 1-4
I WILL DO IT
The liberation of the poor and the oppressed is at the heart of Jesus' public ministry. Often, he is seen attacking the elites in a bid to seek justice for the poor and the oppressed. Dear friends, today we read about one of Jesus' acts of liberation of a leper who gave Christ the decision to liberate or not to. This incident, however, did not witness an attack on the elites. The first reading tell of another incident during the reign of Zedekiah who has been made king of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar after Jehoiachin has been taken to exile.
Our first reading is also recorded in Jeremiah 39: 1-10. Zedekiah, after rebelling against the Nebuchadnezzar, coupled with his breaking of a solemn oath to Nebuchadnezzar (cf. Ezk. 17:11-21) suffers three major tragedies: the siege of Jerusalem during his reign, the slaying of his sons before his eyes, and his exile to Babylon after his eyes were put out.
Well constructed, three groups face the consequences of one man's inaction: Society, family of the individual, and the individual himself. We have to now get it clear that whatever decision we make, whatever action we take affects others. Further stressed, the well-being of these groups is at the heart of any king or ruler. A king is one who is in authority and possesses power. One way or the other, we are put in positions of influence. Let us ensure that our decisions improve and not destroy.
The Gospel speaks of an encounter between Jesus and a leper. Leprosy, in Palestine in Jesus' era, was a serious issue for which one was considered unclean and separated from the clean ones. They are seen as poor ones. Jesus' love for and identification with the poor, by this time, is well-known in the region. These poor ones are not necessarily economically poor, but are also the sick and disabled. These individuals, particularly, are the blind, the deaf and dumb, the lame, the cripples and the lepers.
Jesus, however, shows respect for the Mosaic law when he told the man, after healing him, to go and show himself to the priest and observe the conditions of the Torah. Jesus had a choice and he could have decided not to heal the leper. He responded to his plea and healed him. “I will do it”! Where there is a “will to do”, there is a way.
This is a man facing a social stigma and also at the bottom of the social ladder. Jesus' response effected a change in society, touching everyone ranging from society as a whole, his family who might have gained some reputation by this time because of their 'son', and even the elites (the priests).
Can we do it today? Can we help today? Can we show compassion although we have an option not to? We live a mark whenever we help. Identify a 'leper' today and help. Say those little and silent words within, “I will do it”. Compassion is a response to suffering. Presence alone is enough to show concern for the down-throdden. Love should always be key in our attempt to help.
Pax et Bonum
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