WHO DO WE TREAT AS CURRENT DAY LEPERS ?............

Leprosy was was one of the great maladies of disease and segregation in the Sacred Scriptures, feared by those inflicted with it as well as others who might come into contact with them.  Lepers were outcast and kept isolated, out of concern they would taint other persons with the disease.  Leper colonies separating them out and away from the general population was normal practice.  Jesus' Healing ministry making ten lepers whole again was a concrete example of the mutual inherent dignity of lepers, like that all of all human beings.  And that only one of the ten lepers, returned with gratitude for having been restored to health freed from leprosy, did not diminish all lepers human dignity and value.  St. Damian of Molokai in Hawaii, is an outstanding example of Catholic-Christian belief and practice in not casting off or segregating lepers, but treating them with respect that affirms their humanity, not just isloates them as persons.  Who in the world today are treated as lepers, due to disease, illness, social, economic, or spiritual, inequality ?  How are  we as Disciples of Jesus Christ and Believers in the Eternal God of Creation contributing to the eradication of segregation, isolation, separation, and inequality, between peoples, especially those marginalized in our so[ciety.  Like St. Damian of Molokai, how are we instruments of healing on earth and building up God's Kingdom ?  Take time this week to ponder and proactively decide how you can break the presence of the leprosy of sin and selfishness you encounter in the circle of life............In The Healing Grace Of Jesus The Lord,   Fr.  Troy