Reading today’s Gospel challenges us to think about how often we say “thank you” or show appreciation in some way to someone who has helped us, been kind to us or simply been with us sharing their time and interest. These actions can bring some healing to the “Leprosy” which may not be a physical illness but a loneliness and a separation from life and fellow human beings, which afflicts many people. I am sure we have come across people, like our lepers, who have called out: “Take pity of us.” The challenge for us is to be like Jesus to recognize and be very involved in ministering to the people who live on the borderlines of our communities, who are treated as invisible or unlovely because of how they look or who they are, or where they come from. They don’t always have to be the obvious needy. But a neighbor or even a friend can be having grave troubles and could use some assistance. Jesus clearly notices and loves them and calls us to do the same. Although we do not seek gratitude for our efforts, it is the poor, marginalized, homeless who will show greater appreciation than many of the rich and the famous.
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“Life: Our Sign of Hope”