Reflection: 

The man in front of me had leprosy.

Suddenly, I was taken back 2,000 years and faced with the reality of the dreadful scourge that existed in Jesus’ time.

The man was a pariah, a threat to his community, a contagion. Above all, he was alone. But what could I do? I was not a doctor. I was not a nurse. I was, at the time, an invited speaker from the West visiting Karigiri Leprosy Hospital in southern India.

The man’s dark eyes flashed a thousand hurts.

There was only one thing I could give; one thing he needed. I laid a hand on his shoulder and prayed for him.

That act turned me from a voyeur into a brother. The touch let my heart touch his… and in allowing me to pray for him, he gave me something very precious. For that moment at least, I was with him… and he was not alone.

God does that sort of stuff.

Prayer:  My Lord Jesus, I’ve discovered that being your disciple is both dangerous and beautiful. Please give me the wisdom and courage I need to represent you rightly.