The Outcast – Read Mark 1:40-45
Contemplation
Outside town, there’s a group of homes. Sadness is here. People who have skin diseases could give them to other people, so they must stay away. Here comes one of them. He’s desperate. Shut away from friends and family, perhaps this man who has helped a lot of other people to come back to community can help. Can you help me? (No-one else can!) Do you want to? (Everyone else runs away when I come near!) There’s warmth here, though. This man loves like no-one else. “Of course I want to!” And feel this! The rough skin, sign of being pushed out, is smooth again! “Go and show the priests that you are well and give thanks but don’t tell anyone how it happened!” Not tell? How can I not tell? I am so happy! Look at this everyone! I’m better! And this is the man who made it all happen!
What shuts me away from others?
Do I want Jesus to come into the situation?
What has Jesus done for me?
Am I grateful?
Do I tell others?