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Sunday, February 15, 2009

OUT OF TOUCH? - One Bread, One Body, 2/15/2009

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Sunday, February 15, 2009, 6th Sunday Ordinary Time

Leviticus 13:1-2, 44-46, 1 Corinthians 10:31—11:1, Psalm 32, Mark 1:40-45
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/021509.shtml

OUT OF TOUCH?

The leper "shall dwell apart, making his abode outside the
camp." —Leviticus 13:46

Those Israelites afflicted with leprosy still belonged to the people of
Israel, but could not participate in society due to their contagious
state. Whenever anyone came near, the lepers had to "cry out, 'Unclean,
unclean!' " (Lv 13:45), so that others wouldn't catch what they had.

In Christian circles, modern-day lepers might include those who are
divorced or separated, suffer from depression, have unruly or retarded
children, have an "unequally-yoked" spouse, etc. These suffering
leper-Christians come to church services, but find that they often must
"dwell apart," because their fellow parishioners act as though they'll
catch "leprosy" themselves by getting too closely involved.

"Jesus stretched out His hand, touched" a leper, and he was cured (Mk
1:41-42). If you are not a Church-leper, "imitate Christ" (1 Cor 11:1).
Reach out to them, touch them, and restore them to full fellowship with
the community.

If you are this kind of leper, take heart. Jesus especially identifies
Himself with your condition (see Heb 13:12), so "go to Him outside the
camp, bearing the insult which He bore" (Heb 13:13). He is "moved with
pity" for you (Mk 1:41). He wills for you to be cured and restored in
every way (Mk 1:41).


Prayer: Father, work through me to make this "a year of favor" (Lk 4:19)
for the outcast, the lowly, and the captives in my midst.

Promise: "I try to please all in any way I can by seeking, not my own
advantage, but that of the many, that they may be saved." —1 Cor 10:33

Praise: Praise Jesus, "the Way, and the Truth, and the Life" (Jn 14:6),
Who still embraces the lepers and shows them great mercy.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2009 through March 31, 2009
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of
Cincinnati, August 11, 2008

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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