Leprosy is an infectious disease. It is often contracted through bodily contact or sharing of vessels or dresses. The book of leviticus show us that from the time of Moses and Aaron, that those who were affected by this disease could not live among the community. The community had to be protected against such dangerous affection. Therefore, the afflicted had to wear torn cloths, unshaved hair and openly declare himself "unclean" before the entire community. More so, the disease was believed to be as a result of "sin" (John 9:3). So long as the disease last, the leprous patient is "unclean" both spiritually and physically. He or she must live outside the camp (Lev. 13:4) so that others could not be affected.
This is the type of Man that Jesus "moved with pity, stretched out his Divine and hands and touched... " (mark 1:41) so the unclean became "clean". The "untouchable" and "deadly" became "lively" again. This Man could not contain his Joy even when Jesus advised him otherwise, he went about broadcasting the Good news.
This was not quite appreciated by Jesus because his mission was in danger of being misunderstood and misinterpreted. Jesus gave the Man a second directive to go and show himself to the priest. The priest was the one to put a seal and recommend him back to the community. This was an ancient practice and we are not surprised that Jesus upheld it. When the law did not contradict the spirit of his mission, Jesus always upheld it. So too, in our times, when the law of the land does not contradict the Christian doctrine or our worship of the True God, we do uphold it.
Christianity is a religion without boundaries, a religion that does not admit of segregation. Jesus is a universal Messiah who breaks all the barriers to reach out and touch even the rejected, the outcast and the leprous souls. We Christians must do the same. We must be the hope of the hopeless, the help of the helpless and life of the rejected or forgotten. We must not live in isolation of our fellow.
Most importantly, we must learn to understand the mission of Jesus the way he wants. He wants us to see him not just as a miracle worker but a crucified and risen Messiah. Miracle should not be our primary reason to search for Christ. Rather the willingness and readiness to sacrifice for others should be paramount in our minds. Let us stretch out our helping hands to touch and clean our fellow needy human being and God will be moved to touch us too.
Peace be with you and thanks for reading. Hope this message remind us to help always.