The Wound That Draws God Near

The Gospel presents a man described as “full of leprosy.” Not partially wounded. Not mildly afflicted. Completely sick. And yet this is the man who is healed — because he approaches Jesus correctly.

Father Anthony Gramlich, MIC, explains that Scripture reveals three responses to spiritual leprosy. The first is pride: refusing to see one’s own sin while accusing everyone else. This leprosy cannot be healed because it denies the wound. The second is despair: seeing the sin clearly but believing mercy is impossible. This leprosy turns inward and never reaches the Physician.

The third is the only path that leads to healing — the leprosy of trust.

The leper does not argue, justify, or collapse into self-pity. He simply exposes his misery and says, “Lord, if You wish, You can make me clean.” He places no conditions on Christ. He does not demand timing or reassurance. He trusts the will of God.

Jesus responds immediately. He touches what others avoid. He is not repelled by sin, nor threatened by our wounds. Mercy moves toward misery, not away from it.

Christ then commands the man to go to the priest. Healing is not meant to remain hidden or private. Jesus established_ordinary means by which mercy flows through His Church, especially through the Sacrament of Confession. Forgiveness restores not only the individual soul, but the Body of Christ.

To deny sin is pride. To despair over sin is mistrust. But to acknowledge sin and run to Jesus is humility — and humility always draws mercy.