https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/021124.cfm
The Untouchables
When I first read today’s Gospel, I thought of a TV show called The Untouchables that aired for two seasons from 1993 to 1994. It was about detectives who took on Al Capone and his bootlegging in the 1930s. These detectives took on what no one else dared to touch.
I thought of them because Jesus touched a leper in the Gospel that no one else would approach or enter a conversation. Lepers were nobodies. Jesus feared nothing about the leper and even broke the Mosaic Law when He touched him.
There are “untouchables in our society today, and our prejudice and even fear or hatred can be as strong as people felt about lepers in Jesus’ time. Illegal Immigrants come to mind immediately. I remember wanting to open a home for runaway teens in a town I lived in for ten years. After all the negotiations, the city council said there wasn’t a problem with runaways. We filled the chambers with over 50 kids I met with every night who had nowhere to live.
There are so many “untouchables” depending on our prejudices: I can’t help but think of homosexuals, people who divorce and remarry, former priests and religious come to mind. So do people experiencing poverty, begging on street corners and people who get a free ride in medical care. And I can’t help but mention people who are for abortion on demand.
Gospel Challenge:
These are real challenges for getting past our biases and seeing the person(s), not their preferences. I need the heart of Christ Jesus because certain people and structures in our society are deeply rooted in my heart. I discover that I am the leper that Jesus needs to touch. He probably needs to keep reaching out and touching me every time someone sets off hateful and unkind thoughts that lead to anger and hatred. Who is my leper?
I must recall St. Paul’s advice in today’s second reading, “Never do anything offensive to anyone.”
Love Your Neighbor:
Please join me in praying for all baptized Catholics to be faithful to Jesus in the Holy Mass every weekend. Hail Mary, full of grace…
Mother Mary, “I am yours now and forever. Through you and with you, I always want to belong completely to Jesus.” The Surrender Novena – InHeartland. https://inheartland.com/pages/the-surrender-novena
Peace be with you.
Fr. Rick Pilger, I.C.
