First Reading I Samuel 4:1-11 Gospel Mark 1:40-45

Today’s first reading describes a horrible defeat for God’s people. The Philistines even capture the Ark of the Covenant. The wicked sons of Eli are killed. But so, also, are many innocent people. The “deuteronomic” outlook is characteristic of the first few books in the Hebrew bible. This outlook believed that there are immediate punishments for evil, and immediate rewards for good. But life is not always like that: Often the wicked prosper and the good suffer. The “deuteronomic” outlook doesn’t work! Our faith is different: We work and hope for the best. But when we suffer even if innocent, we offer it to God as a pleasing sacrifice in union with that of Christ.
In the gospel, Jesus heals a leper. He doesn’t do it at a distance. He actually touches the leper! This was strictly forbidden, since lepers were “unclean.” It is the mystery of Christ’s great love that he reaches out and touches us to heal us of our sins. He is with us now to touch us with his mercy.