Luke 5:12-14 Jesus Heals a Man With Leprosy
REFLECTION
Exclusion
Anyone living with skin conditions will know the experience of how other people react. Many will react with revulsion leaving the person feeling rejected. Others will worry if it is catching so will shy away again leaving people with the feeling of rejection. Illness was equated with sin so people were excluded from taking part in any religious community or activity. Even in modern times some people believed that the Aids epidemic was the result of sin and those living with Aids were shunned. Thankfully iconic pictures of Diana, Princess of Wales, sitting with Aids patients went some way to bring the issue to the fore and begin the process of dispelling the negative reactions. Jesus healed the sick and told them to go to the priests and present themselves showing them that the illness had nothing to do with sin. Shaming the priests for excluding them from their spiritual community.
People are still being excluded for so many reasons. The LGBTQ+ community, although now protected under the law are still finding rejection within the community. The Trans community are particularly under attack being met with misunderstanding, hatred, and violence. Although it was encouraging how many people were holding vigils for the young Trans girl, Brianna Ghey. Asylum seekers are being attacked and threatened by individuals and groups. They are also being threatened with deportation by the Government. Women are still being excluded and discriminated in the workplace and many do not feel safe on their own on our streets.
Exclusion is a stain on the Nations character. Legislation has been in place for some time to protect the vulnerable in society but unfortunately you cannot legislate people’s hearts and minds. It is by example that we can change society. We need the example of Government politicians, Church Leaders, and people in places of influence to demonstrate a commitment to a better way of being. Jesus challenged those in authority as well as individuals to live a life which demonstrated tolerance, acceptance, and inclusion. It was not a “Get out of jail free” card for his challenge was to all to repent. He calls us to live a life according to Kingdom values.
QUESTIONS
- Have you experienced discrimination of any kind? If so, what form did it take?
- Have you witnessed discrimination against others? If so, what form did it take?
- How have your experiences of discrimination affected you?
- How did you react?
- How far do you believe it is possible to change the views of others?
- Whose responsibility do you think it is to challenge?
