Lepers are among the most piteous of people. Although little was known of the origin of the sickness, it was clearly known to be contagious and therefore greatly feared. The only solution was to isolate the victim and not allow him/her to approach people. So, apart from the appalling physical disintegration of body and limbs, there was the social ostracism, the contempt and the fear which the victim engendered. The leper in today's story indicates his great faith and trust in Jesus: "If you want to, you can make me clean." Jesus is filled with deep compassion for the man's plight. What Jesus feels is true compassion not just pity. And Jesus does the unthinkable - he reaches out to touch the leper. This must have been a healing act in itself. The leper was by definition untouchable. "I do will it." says Jesus, "Be made clean." The man is immediately healed. He is also told not to say anything to anyone about it. But how could the man refrain from telling everybody about his wonderful experience of coming in contact with the whole-making power of Jesus? He becomes an ardent evangeliser, a spreader of good news - something we are all called to be. What is the outcome of our experience of knowing Jesus? How come we do not have the enthusiasm of this man? It is worth noting that that experience was the result of his first having been the victim of a terrible affliction. It is often in our crosses that grace appears. We need to remember that.