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In the letter to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul describes a profound societal and religious divide, observing that Christ has "broken down the dividing wall, that is, the hostility between us."

In contemporary life, these walls remain prevalent. They manifest in digital algorithms that filter information, political divisions that strain neighborhoods and nations, and the silence between alienated family members. Society frequently emphasizes drawing lines, categorizing individuals as "in" or "out," "safe" or "difficult," "clean" or "unclean."

In today’s Gospel, Jesus confronts these barriers directly. After delivering the Sermon on the Mount, He is approached by a man with leprosy. In that era, leprosy was more than a medical condition; it was a mandate for social and religious exile. The man was physically and socially walled off from his community. From across this divide, he petitions: "Lord, if you choose, you can make me clean."

Jesus’ response is transformative. Rather than maintaining a socially acceptable distance, He stretches out His hand and touches the man, stating, "I do choose."

Featured Artwork

Title: Jesus Healing the Leper (1864)
Artist: Jean-Marie Melchior Doze
Significance: Doze captures the precise moment of physical contact. The reach of Christ bridges the gap between isolated suffering and human community. This act demonstrates that relationship and touch are often the catalysts for healing, occurring before the individual is deemed "acceptable" by societal standards.

Contemporary Application

Tearing down hostility rarely requires grand, sweeping gestures. Instead, it begins with the choice to step closer. In daily life, this is reflected in:

  • Recognizing the inherent dignity in a guarded or "difficult" person.
  • Offering a genuine listening ear to those with whom we fundamentally disagree.
  • Initiating the quiet, first move toward repairing a broken relationship.

By reaching across our personal dividing walls, we mirror the ministry of Christ, declaring through our actions, "I choose you."

Prayer

God of breaking boundaries, You see the walls we build to protect ourselves and the lines we draw to keep others out. Give us the courage of Christ to step closer to the people we are quick to exile or ignore. Help us to reach across the divides in our own lives, that we might be instruments of Your healing, connection, and peace. In Jesus' name, Amen.