12th Week in Ord. Time, Friday – 25th June 2021 — Gospel: Mt 8,1-4
Gifts of imperfection
Leprosy’s contagion and its revolving visible impact have expelled the lepers from their own society. This shameful disease brings out a realization that one is unfit or imperfect. However, putting up with shame and imperfection and having a singular motive of attaining holistic wholeness, this leper knelt before Jesus, breaking his barriers. If we share our shame with the wrong person, they can easily add one more feather to the fairy tales. Instead we need someone who is deeply rooted, able to bend, doesn’t put us to shame, and most of all, we need someone who embraces us for our struggles. The leper having found Jesus to be one such person plucked up courage to go beyond his limits. Courage leads to compassion, which on the part Jesus bestows a form of blessing. When we’re looking for compassion, it’s about connecting with the right person at the right time about the right issue. Although the leper felt totally exposed to shame, yet completely loved and accepted by Jesus. Finally, Jesus’ exhortation to follow the Torah reestablishes his connection with the society. Leper’s willingness to let go of his shame and his desire to strengthen his relationship with Jesus makes him perfect. That’s exactly why courage, compassion and connection are the gifts of imperfection. When we’re willing to be imperfect and real, these gifts just keep giving life.
