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…