Ten Lepers, Oct 9, 2022

Luke 17:11-19, Pentecost 18C

Theme: Denial

Most people think of Leprosy as a disease of the past. It is true the wealthy and privileged of the world (the top 20% of the world’s population) can purchase drugs which can put the horrible ailment into dormancy. But this contagious disfiguring disease is still ravaging many parts of the world.

Because societies across the world have for millennia found ways to keep leprosy out of the public eye, it is forgotten. Believe me, the gross disfigurements caused by this disease are disquieting. The painful sores don’t heal. Instead, the bacteria eats away any flesh or bone to which it is exposed. What it does to a person’s body is grotesque and frightening to the observer. But even worse is what the sufferer experiences – for them it is a slow torturous death. Because the illness is mostly found among the poorest of the world, it attracts infections such as streptococci which without proper treatment kills.

Isolated from the village of Lotumbe, in what is now the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I lived as a child, was a leprosy colony. On occasion I would accompany my father when he would go there to conduct worship services and serve communion. I wanted to hug the infected children who were my age, but leprosy is spread by being in contact with the running sores. So, I could only watch from a distance.

On one of his journeys Jesus came across ten lepers. It was a place between Samaria and Judea. Apparently, the group contained both Jews and Samaritans. Suffering knows no borders. Jesus healed their leprosy. When they realized their wounds were healed, they celebrated. Jesus told them to go to their rabbi and be certified as healed.

Instead of running off, one of the ten turned to Jesus and with great supplication bowed down to him and thanked him. For this, Jesus not only healed the man of his sores, but he made him whole again – bringing back his withered hands and feet and taking away the grotesque disfigurement in his face.

Upon reflection, this story tells us much about ourselves. Are we going to be the one in ten who recognizes the source of our strength? If we are, there is another miracle waiting for us. It is the miracle of becoming whole.

Worship with us in person at 10:30 AM as we will be meditating on the healing power of our savior. The service will also be streamed live on the internet -- (https://fccmaryvillemo.com) or on the church’s home Facebook page. If you missed the live stream, a recorded session is also available to view at your convenience. Want to make a comment on my blog? Click on https://fccmaryvillemosanc.wixsite.com/ftdo.