“A leper came to [Jesus] begging him, and kneeling he said to him, ‘If you choose, you can make me clean.’ Moved with pity, Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, and said to him, ‘I do choose. Be made clean!’ Immediately the leprosy left him, and he was made clean.” (Mark 1:40–42)

Leprosy is still a disease in the world today. Most of us here in the United States don’t worry so much about it, because it’s generally pretty far removed from us. Unlike the common understanding of the disease, leprosy doesn’t actually make people’s limbs drop off. But, leprosy does make people numb.

Numbness makes us unable to feel pain or encourages us to do things we wouldn’t normally do. The last several years before my grandfather died, my husband would be on grilling duty with him. Because of his diabetes and the numbness in his fingers, my grandfather had a tendency to forgo using the spatula for turning over the burgers on the grill with his fingers. My husband was there for conversation, but also to be sure that Grandpa didn’t hurt himself even more than he might have otherwise.

There are times in our lives when we’re afflicted with numbness. We hear too many messages and take in so much information every day that it can be overwhelming. Pain in the world is so intense that we sometimes become callused instead of being able to remain flexible and caring. Numbness is an insidious sin. We don’t realize we have the numbness until we look back and realize that we haven’t been able to act.

During this February, the social ministry committee has emphasized our participation in the ELCA Malaria Campaign. We’ve been praying for people affected by malaria, learning more about malaria as a congregation, and having opportunities to give financially to stop this treatable disease.

In the midst of numbness, of not knowing where or how to deal with huge global problems, we have an opportunity to take concrete steps for remedying this massive challenge.

God of mercy, heal all of your creation from numbness. Enliven our limbs for service. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

Contributed by Pastor Becky
Monday February 20, 2012
Liturgical Year B: Week 13
Liturgical Color: White
Sunday Gospel reading:
Transfiguration of Our Lord