Who Is Your Leper?

In Chapter Ten of Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus gives a long instruction to the apostles on how to carry out their discipleship. In part, He says to them:

As you go, make this announcement: “The Reign of God is at hand.” Cure the sick, raise the dead, heal the leprous, expel demons.

Provide yourselves with neither gold nor silver nor copper in your belts; no traveling bag, no change of shirt, no sandals, no walking staff.

Do not fear those who destroy the body of life but cannot destroy the soul.

…Not a single sparrow falls to the ground without your Father’s consent. As for you, every hair of your head is counted; so do not be afraid of anything.

Whoever loves father or mother, son or daughter, more than Me is not worthy of Me.

Having said these things, and more, Jesus ends the instruction, saying:

And I promise you that whoever gives a cup of cold water…