Readings: 2 Kings 5:1-4; Mark 1: 40-45
Both of our readings for today are stories that tell us of instances where God has brought healing to the lives of people who suffered from a skin disease. From the Old Testament we have Naaman who is greatly admired by his King due to his successful military campaigns. He is wealthy and there is no suggestion that he suffers from any social ostracism. So I speculate here, but maybe it is merely the discomfort he endures that causes him to seek a cure for his disease. It would seem the motivation comes from the voice of his wife’s servant, a young slave girl from Israel – in reality, a nobody. Healing his condition clearly mattered to Naaman because once convinced that healing was possible, he sought the support of his King for his mission and took with him a significant sum of money and gifts. Naaman, perhaps due to his important position in society, obviously felt that his condition demanded grand offerings and a grand response; even a cure requiring great hardship to match the suffering he endured from his disease. It was humbling for him to discover the small interest his suffering attracted abroad, and the simple cure provided by Elisha. IS THAT IT? he cries. When he is discouraged by these circumstances, it is his servant who encourages and supports him. Naaman had the assistance, in various forms, from servants, Kings and prophets, but the effort required to bring about his cure had to be done by him. In many ways it was an unexpected and humiliating cure, but his obedience was rewarded.

In our second story, Mark tells us about a leper who was already familiar with Jesus’ reputation as a healer. This man was socially ostracised and presumably sought healing to become part of the community again. He also was a man of action, acknowledging his disease and motivated to seek a cure. He was bold in approaching Jesus, knowing that his actions would put them both at odds with the law. Yet Jesus chose to touch this outcast man, making himself unclean also. He pronounced him cured, and so he was. But the healing was not finished. Jesus insists the man go to the temple and perform the appropriate offerings – perhaps this also suggests confronting the priests and law abiding citizens with his newfound acceptance, to stand up for himself and challenge the existing order. He also was an active participant in his own healing, and perhaps, a catalyst for others.

Ultimately, as seekers of healing and wholeness, we must put in the effort ourselves, acknowledging our need for healing and accepting the help offered to us by those we meet on our journey. And as supporters of those seeking healing, whether we are prophets, Kings, servants or otherwise, we must offer all we can in assistance. It may be acceptance, motivation, financial support, advice, encouragement, our skills or talents. Sometimes the warm embrace of our society excludes those suffering from unsavoury conditions, but the call from Jesus is to bring wholeness to all people. And if we are open to new possibilities, God can bring healing in unexpected ways.