Leprosy separates an individual from the community for through it one is declared to be unclean. Due to this proclamation they are to remain separated from the community. The priest is unable to heal the leaper. All that he can do is declare them clean or unclean in accordance with the Law. It is the Lord who is bringing about the miracle that allows the priest to declare them clean.
From the Book of Leviticus: “The individual shall be brought to the priest, who is to go outside the camp. If the priest, upon inspection, finds that the scaly infection has healed in the afflicted person, he shall order two live, clean birds, as well as some cedar wood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop to be obtained for the one who is to be purified.”
If we continue to read we would be told how this ritual of purification is to take place. One bird would be sacrificed, its blood would be mixed with water, the living bird would be dipped into this and be released by the one being cleansed, and this mixture would be sprinkled over them seven times.
The Lord is the one who brought healing to these men. He heeded the call of the lepers, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” As the bird is sacrificed, so too the Lord accepts the cross in order that we may come to be redeemed by His Most Precious Blood. Through His glorious Resurrection we are able to proclaim that life has changed, but not ended.
These words must also be found on our lips, “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy of me a sinner.” This simple prayer known as the Jesus Prayer sums up the course of salvation and comes to be prayed throughout the day by many. It proclaims that we are a sinner who is in need of the mercy of God. It assists us in professing our need for Christ and salvation.
The lepers were healed from their plight through the mercy of God and more importantly they came to be healed in due time through the cross of our Blessed Lord. Despite such healing only one returned in order to give Him thanks. Likewise, each of us have received such a wondrous gift. Therefore, we too must continue to give thanks for all that God has done for us.
Through our thankfulness we return to Him and stay steadfast in our practice of faith. We must remain on guard concerning all that will cause us to wonder away from the Lord. Through our prayer we are held in relationship with Him in order that we may come to place our trust in Him no matter what is taking place within our life.
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner.
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