21st Century Leprosy

Readings: Proverbs 4:10-23, Galatians 5:16-24, Luke 17:11-19


Leprosy--the mere mention of the word makes us shiver. Though it still exists in our world, it is not nearly as prevalent as during Biblical times. Those with the disease during ancient times were shunned and sent to colonies where many times they would die rather than receive healing--the medical answers weren't available as they are now.


As I was reading through Proverbs, Galatians, and Luke, it occurred to me that leprosy is still among us, albeit in a 21st century form. Many are ill; millions of people "just don't feel well" and look for every cure imaginable. We try new diets and take other extreme measures, we go on numerous and expensive vacations to relax, we get elective surgery to make us feel better. Yet the illness stays with us.


We have leprosy in the 21st century--it takes over our bodies; it takes over our souls. It has no intent of leaving. What is this horrific dis-ease? Greed. Entitlement. Envy. Impatience. Frustration. The need to be the best. An over-all lack of self-control. Many a person spends day after day in excruciating pain--all as a result of these "ailments". We have forgotten, as written in Proverbs 4 that "above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life" (23) and that we need to keep the words of God "within our hearts, for they are life to those who find them and health to a man's whole body" (21-22).


What is the cure for this 21st century leprosy? Taking the cure of the fruit of the Spirit which is "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). If we have our daily dose of developing our lives in these areas, we will feel the shadow of the illness of self-centeredness lift from our bodies as well as from our souls. Then, as Jesus told the thankful leper, we can "rise and go; your faith has made you well" (Luke 17:19).


Peace be with you.