1st Reading: Lev 13:1-2, 44-46
Under the Law of Moses, lepers had to live apart from the community. Only if a priest pronounced a leper cured of the disease could he or she come back into normal life.

2nd Reading: 1 Cor. 10:31 - 11:1
Paul presents a very concise view of his philosophy of life living for others and so glorifying God.

Gospel: Mk 1:40-45
Mark recounts how Jesus healed a leper by a word and a touch.

Reflection
Leprosy rendered the child of God unclean and took away his dignity in ancient times. Sin does to the sinner what leprosy does to the individual. It makes us unclean and takes away our dignity. We lose hope and often feel the hurt and pain of isolation. We feel we need healing but do not know where to turn to.  Jesus is aware of our weaknesses, our bitterness, our lack of hope. He is still moved with pity and compassion to touch us. He is ready to effect a cure in us, to give us grace to change our lives and restore us to full, happy membership in the people of God. All we need to do is to make our own sentiments of today’s responsorial psalm our own;”I turn to you Lord in time of trouble and you fill me with the joy of salvation”.