Sharing of life: What, if anything, does Valentine's Day mean to you?
Facilitator reads focus statement: There is a strong contrast between the first reading in which lepers must declare themselves "unclean" and the gospel in which Jesus declares a leper "clean". In the second reading, Paul encourages the Corinthians to do all for the glory of God and to protect their unity.
Read the three readings and the Psalm. Pause briefly after each reading
FIRST READING: Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46
In Old Testament times, leprosy was a term used to describe a variety of chronic skin diseases. When the priest determined that one had a certain disease that was contagious he was declared "unclean" and banished from the community. If someone unknowingly approached the leper, he/she was obliged to shout "unclean, unclean", for contact with such a person would render the "clean" person "unclean". If a leper were cured, he would have to go to the priest and go through a purification rite before he could be re-admitted to the community. Because there was widespread belief that leprosy was brought on by sin, the leper was not only physically loathsome and socially dangerous, but he was also viewed as morally reprehensible.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM 32
This is one of the seven "penitential psalms" in the Psalter. It is a prayer of thanksgiving for the removal of sin.
SECOND READING: 1 Corinthians 10:31--11:1
This reading concludes Paul's section on the question of foods offered to idols in pagan sacrifices. Paul does not see a problem eating such foods since he did not believe in pagan idols. But if eating such foods scandalizes the weaker members of the community, one should avoid eating them. What is really important is not the issue of food; but rather that we give glory to God in all things and lead people to salvation. When Paul says: "Give offense to no one - Jews, Greeks or to the church.", he is not counseling that we be just nice and wishy-washy, but encouraging us to preserve unity despite our differences.
GOSPEL: Mark 1:40-45
While lepers were excluded from the community, they were allowed to attend synagogue, sitting behind a protected screen, never daring to come into the main part of the synagogue. While we do not know the exact location of today's event, perhaps it occurred during a synagogue service. Recognizing Jesus to be a holy man, the leper may have done the unthinkable; he rushed from behind the screen and approached Jesus. He believed Jesus could heal him, but he wasn't sure Jesus would want to heal him. "If you wish, make me clean." Then Jesus does the unthinkable, he stretches out his hand and touches the untouchable thereby incurring ritual uncleanness. Jesus tells the rejected man: "Of course I want to heal you. Be made clean." Jesus' touch not only healed the man on a physical level, but also on a social and spiritual level. He no longer felt rejected by the community or by God.
Finally, we notice again a reference to the messianic secret (explained in last week's commentary). The man is told not to tell anyone about his healing but how does one contain wonderful good news. So he runs off and tells everyone. Also, the man is told to go to the priest so that he can get a certificate declaring himself clean. This would enable him to once again mix with the community and worship with them.
REFLECTION QUESTIONS
1. What verse spoke to you and why?
2. Who are the "lepers" in today's society and even in our church? Are there individuals or a group of people you would prefer not to embrace or associate with?
3. Is there a "leper" inside of you, e.g., a past experience that is untouchable? You don't have to share if you don't want to, but you can ask the group for prayers. What might be examples of "inner lepers" that we might carry within us?
4. In the second reading, Paul pleads for unity. Unity within a parish is often hurt by gossip. Why do people love to gossip?
RESPONDING TO GOD'S WORD
Name one way you can act on today's readings. Suggestion: Think of someone who feels isolated or somewhat excluded. See what you can do to heal this sense of isolation.
CONCLUDE WITH PRAYERS OF PETITION AND INTERCESSION.
Especially pray for all who literally suffer from skin diseases, pray for those researching a cure, pray for all who feel excommunicated from society and church today, e.g., pedophiles.