Psalm : 10:1-2

Epistle : Heb. 13:8-17

Gospel : Matt. 8:1-4

 

Verse for meditation:

 

“Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore” (Heb. 13:13).

  Bringing those who are considered as untouchables to a complete human right through the touch of reconciliation is called the gospel. Untouchables were always there. Jesus touched the leper and healed him to bring him to the main stream of the society. He should have to get a certificate from the priest showing that he has been healed, then only he could live in the society as an accepted man (Lev. 13:49; 14:2- 4, 10, 32). This is the instruction for man in the law. Therefore, Jesus has instructed him to show himself to the priest and do whatever is needed for his purification according to the Law of Moses (Mk. 1:44). God who helps and lifts the poor is the hope of the poor people. Though the Psalmist feels that the Lord is standing afar, the same Psalm ends with a hopeful message: “You hear, O Lord, the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed …” (Ps. 10:17, 18). Untouchability has been abolished by law in India (Untouchability Act No. 22 of 1955). Practicing untouchability in India is punishable by law. But even today it is practiced in many states in the name of caste and religion. Here comes the importance of the change that the gospel brings.  

1. The healing given by God to the Untouchables: In the O. T (2 King 5:1-10)

  There is no untouchability or partiality before God. He is the God and father of all. The example of the healing received by Naaman is a proof to this in the Old Testament. He was a valiant captain of the army of the king of Aram, but he was a leper. He had heard from the servant that there is a prophet in Israel girl. He reached Israel. Prophet Elisha heals him. But he did not touch him to heal. But Naaman thought he would touch him and heal. But God touched him. He dips himself seven times in the river Jordan as the prophet has instructed (2 kings 5:14). Here the enmity between the countries is also at the background of this incident. Jordan is a holy river for Israelites. It has a political, religious and social relationship. But to the Aramite the river Jordan is of no special significance. To him the rivers of Damascus, Abana and Pharpar are more holier than that of the river Jordan. They are bigger rivers than that of Israel. The differences of these two nations have also basically changed here. Finally Naaman obeyed the words of Elisha and was healed completely. The untouchability of Naaman is healed here.  

2. The Healing given to the Untouchable: In the ministry of Jesus (Matt. 8:1-4)

  In the ministry of Jesus also lepers were healed (Matt. 8:1-4; Mk. 1:40-45). But it is not like the healing of Elisha, here Jesus touched him and healed. Anyone who touches a leper is branded as a sinner (Lev. 13). The leper is being sent out of the camp. He should not live along with the common men, this was the rule. But it is clearly stated that ‘Jesus stretched his hand and touched him’. The revelation here is the divine justice shown towards the marginalized man. They should also come to the main stream of the society. The revolution that has been done by Jesus through such ministry in this world is great! Such a model ministry of accepting man as human being and standing with the weak has inspired many to follow. Here starts our mission.  

3. Touch the ‘Untouchable’ (Heb. 13:8-17)

  The message of our mission gives positive energy to hold closer those who are considered as ‘untouchables’. The letter to the Hebrews deals with the incomparable nature of Jesus Christ. The chapter 13 concludes that ‘Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever’ (13:8).  So the author writes what next the reader should do: “Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing the disgrace he bore” (Heb. 13:13). People live in the camp. The tent of meeting is there. Worship, Sacrifice, priests, Pillar of fire and Pillar of cloud – all are there. But no one would like to go outside the camp. The reason, it is the place for all dirty things and dirty people (Ex. 29:14; Lev. 16:27). But the writer says not only those unholy people are there, but Christ is also standing there with them: “Let us, then, go to him outside…” (Heb.13:13). All the untouchables are there. The call for the New Testament church and her message is to go to them. Paul who has been called to preach the gospel to the non Jewish people also received this vision (Acts 10:24-28), “… But God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean”  (Acts. 10:28)  

Collect:

  God of equality, we thank you for creating us in your image. We have distorted your image by creating caste, class, colour and divide in our own living situations. We praise you for your Son Jesus Christ who broke the barriers by touching the so called untouchables, recognizing the un-recognized and speaking with the unspoken, thus giving the experience of liberation. Bestow your strength in us so that we could affirm life in all its fullness to the people who are deprived of their life. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God world without end.  

Amen