Yesterday we read the story of Jesus healing a man with leprosy through the touch of his hand. To me this is a powerful story of boundary crossing. It reminds me that Jesus is willing to cross whatever boundary in order to heal us and make us whole. It also invites me to consider what boundaries I am willing to cross to aid in the healing of others.

Rev. Steve Garnaas-Holmes is an elder in our New England Conference. Steve maintains a blog with daily meditations and reflections on the Scripture. Today I came across his reflection on this passage and was 'blow away.' Steve gave words to what I was feeling about this passage and I thank him for that. I share his words with you here with an encouragement for you to visit his blog UnfoldingLight.net

Untouchables

Dearly Beloved,
Grace and peace to you.

A leper came to him begging him,

and kneeling he said to him,

“If you choose you can make me clean.”

Moved with compassion, Jesus stretched out his hand

and touched him.
 –Mark 1.40-41

Who are the lepers who beg for our compassion,

whom no one will touch?
Are they the prisoners, who frighten us, or nursing home folks?

Those who are depressed, or transgendered or angry,

the drunk mumbling in the doorstep,

the guy with the cardboard sign at the stoplight,

the dying, before whom we stutter and stall?

The mentally ill, kidnapped from their own minds,

that we are afraid to speak to?

The kid with piercings, tattoos and blue hair,

immigrants who any moment will be hauled off,

people who are chronically poor and grumpy about it?

Who are we afraid to touch, to be touched by?

Don’t think we have no Untouchables

in our closely guarded caste system.

They live within you.

We are the ones with the dis-ease, who afflict them

with our refusal to reach out to them, to connect, to admit

that we are just like them.

What healed the leper was no magical power.

It was the willingness of a compassionate heart

to embrace.

We can do miracles in this world

with our own two hands.

Deep Blessings,

Pastor Steve