Leprosy was regarded with particular dread and abhorrence, not merely because of its hideous character and the risk of contagion, but also because it meant that the afflicted person would be cast out of the community. In fact, it can be compared to mortal sin.
Read MoreIn today’s poignant Gospel, the Syrophoenician woman whose young daughter was possessed by an “unclean spirit”, throws herself down at Jesus’ feet in the posture of a humble supplicant and begs for healing and exorcism for her beloved daughter.
Read MoreSt. Paul summons us to break away from the sinful world and live as children of light. In part, this entails shunning and exposing the “fruitless works of darkness,” such as treating others as means and not as proper ends in themselves.
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