June 26; Mt. 8:1-14
Today we have an0ther account of Jesus cleansing the leper. There is a part of each of us that is like the leper in need of healing. God shows us compassion and heals us when we but become aware. We have a whole new set of lepers today, people whom people ostracize, whom we exclude and reject, declare unclean and push aside. In our culture we ostracize people on death row, people with AIDS, people with disabilities, people who are Muslim, or people who are just different. We often think they’re the cause of our problems: lets push them aside or imprison them or ignore their sufferings; or kill them and thet rid of them. Then we will be ok; we will be safe; we will be secure. But Like Jesus, we must side with the lepers of our time, cultivate a heart of compassion, stretch out our hands and welcome them into our community. We have to reconcile with everyone everywhere. Only, then like Jesus, will we become people of infinite compassion.
Today has been a long ass day. Mike came at noon and we ate and did Bible Study, jim and Emma came for their antropology survey. We went to the Haight for five hours and then three on polk. I went to bed at 1:00 a.m. Deo Gratis! Thanks be to God!
