Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. 'I am willing,' he said. 'Be clean!' And immediately the leprosy left him. Luke 5:13, NIV

 

Touch is a fundamental human need, whether as a physical gesture, or as an emotion of the heart, as it is necessary for physical and emotional well-being; it also plays a crucial role in enhancing communication through warm, reassuring social conduct, seen in a handshake or hug, which acknowledges the person, specially.

 

Jesus’ sympathetic way of relating to the poor, forgotten, desperate and dying was remarkable, and has inspired others to emulate his compassion and caring as they engage with the sick and dying. Mother Theresa and Princess Diana are very well known for their caring and compassionate work amongst the poorest of the poor of this world, but there are many others that the world never hears about.

 

It was at Sunday School that I first learnt of leprosy’s existence, as our teacher told us the true story of Joseph de Veuster, a missionary who had gone to a leper colony on Molokai, a volcanic island in Hawaii to work as a pastor and doctor, and lived among them in a beautiful way, as Jesus would.

 

Joseph tended their physical needs, along with their spiritual and emotional needs, as they suffered from this incapacitating disease. I was wide-eyed as she described how, after years of working amongst them, he one day couldn’t feel the live coal that had dropped on his foot, revealing that he’d contracted the disease, and would die with them – so like what Jesus did for us.

 

I feel sure that Jesus’ manner of healing this person with leprosy, in our verse today, and treating him with love and dignity had inspired Joseph de Veuster. Although the man “was covered with leprosy” and would have lost parts of his body as a result, Jesus didn’t hesitate to respond to his faith compassionately, welcoming him by reaching out his hand, touching him, and lovingly saying, “I am willing … Be clean!” (Luke 5:13)

 

When last had anyone made this gesture to this man – stretched out his hand and touched him – shown genuine compassion?

 

Jesus not only could, but willingly healed him, and, immediately, gave him instructions that would ensure his freedom to return to society; and, after showing himself, healed, to the priest, welcomed to worship.

 

Jesus is willing to show us that same compassion when we turn to him in faith. Would we be willing to do the same for others?

 

Prayer: Gracious Lord Jesus, make your love and compassion shine through me to all those in need today as I follow your example with joy. Amen