Scripture: Leviticus 13:45-46
The person who has the leprous disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head be disheveled; and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, “Unclean, unclean.” He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.
Thought for the Day: In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), we find a great deal of discussion on skin diseases, specifically leprosy or leprosy-like ailments. Many people wonder why those who were sick were treated so poorly, but it is important to remember that such laws were originally intended to protect the larger community. When you traveled together and lived in such close proximity to others, the danger of seeing a single illness turn into a pandemic was very real. The problem was when the theology started to change and people with an illness were suddenly viewed as outside of God’s love—that somehow their disease was a sign of God’s disfavor. In those situations, the need for a quarantine shifted from a smart and protective move to a punishment for some perceived wrong. Do we ever mistreat or judge someone who is simply a victim? What would Jesus have to say?
Prayer: When I am at my weakest point, O Lord, renew me in the glorious news that I remain one of your beloved children. Amen.
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