The healing that is necessary from this current pandemic will extend far beyond the development of a vaccine and the treatment of the disease itself. Lives have been changed. There will be long lasting effects of this disease in our community that will linger long into the future. Our human relationships have been changed by this disease and it will take a long time to remove the distancing that has taken place among us. For some, social distancing will become a permanent part of their lives and their social interactions. Like the lepers of the time of Jesus, we have come to learn through experience that illness and disease does not only effect our physical well-being.
When a person is suffering from illness there are deep hurts that a person must endure. Often a sick person is separated from society and becomes isolated and alone. The person might be feeling shame and humiliation because of their weakness and helplessness. They can feel embarrassed and ashamed at not being able to be themselves and accomplish the tasks that they once were able to carry out with ease. They see themselves as diminished and a burden to others and withdraw even more from relationships. There may be a sense of guilt as the person irrationally thinks that they have in some way caused their own weakness. The person already feels the cold and lonely touch of death, distanced from life. Often a sick person might feel distant and forgotten by God, unable to pray and unworthy to worship.
Jesus is able to see beyond the visible, physical wounds of the sick persons that he encounters and has great compassion and pity for their spiritual suffering. Jesus knows what is in the hearts of those he encounters and he knows that it is often what is deep within a person that causes them the greatest pain. These are the wounds that Jesus wants to touch and to heal. Jesus has the healing touch that brings new and abundant life.
The leper that approaches Jesus on his knees appeals to his heart of compassion and mercy, “If you wish, you can make me clean.” (Mk 1,40) To be made clean is more than just healing physical wounds, it is restoring a person back to wholeness and communion with others. Jesus is “moved with pity” and he stretches out his hand and touches him. The touch of Jesus penetrates deep within the leper’s soul and brings him back to life. “I do will it. Be made clean.” Jesus wills that all those who are suffering might receive a clean start and be restored to life.
Persons that are sick need to be touched by Jesus. This touch is not only physical but is a touch of compassion and mercy that allows a person to feel that they are not alone but are in communion with others who are praying for them. Ministers to the sick and homebound are the hands and heart of Jesus that reach out and touch the deepest wounds. Sick persons need more than medical attention, they need spiritual and communal attention. Visiting the sick, praying with them and listening to their struggles and frustrations are important elements to being the healing presence of Jesus. To recover from these trying times we all will be called to be healers and to rebuild our community. Jesus assures us that it is God’s will that we all be restored to the fullness of life.