For three weeks, we have been following Jesus' early ministry as told by St. Mark. Following his baptism and call of disciples, the first three acts we see him doing are acts of healing:
The man with a demon
St. Peter's Mother-In-Law
The man with leprosy
Jesus came into this world with authority and power. He set out immediately making people whole and putting things right.
He put things right where people lived and worshipped in the synagogue, in their homes, on the road.
JESUS WENT TO THEM.
"I DID NOT COME TO BE SERVED BUT TO SERVE."
Remember, Jesus' last day, "What I have done is to give you an example. As I have done so you must do." "AS THE FATHER HAS SENT ME, SO I SEND YOU."
Who are the lepers today? Do we recognize the outcasts among us? Some are easily identifiable by their clothes or smell, but others are hidden from us.
Many of our elderly live in isolation from the rest of us, alone at home or abandoned in nursing homes.
Families become isolated when someone is in Hospice care.
Couples quit inviting widows to parties.
We should be moved with compassion and restore the lonely and outcasts back into our community.
To assure that no one lives in exile, we MUST REACH OUT.
We must be imitators of Christ.
This lent, we should be moved to compassion as Christ was.
St. John Paul II, "It is not permissible for anyone to remain idle."