Friday after Epiphany – 07th January 2022 — Gospel: Luke 5,12-16
Jesus’ willingness
This healing narrative demonstrates the powerful authority of Jesus and his compassionate care for those in need. The man ‘covered with leprosy’ is a person cast out from society because of his impurity. As specified by Leviticus 13-14, a leper is considered unclean and is removed from the ordinary life of the people as long as the disease lasts. Despite these prohibitions, the leper bows before Jesus, addressing him as Lord. He recognizes that God is working through Jesus, and so implores Jesus’ choice to make him clean. The leper’s request centers not on Jesus’ ability, but on his willingness to heal. Finally, the leper both hears and feels Jesus’ willingness to make him whole, and acknowledges the same with the crowds.
