Leprosy and Homosexuality

Pope Francis Embraces a Modern Leper

In Jesus’ time, many thought that leprosy was a punishment from God.  A leper was forced to live separate from the community for fear of the spread of the disease (Num 5:1-4).  They were forced to wear identifiable dress, leave their heads uncovered, and identify themselves as unclean.  They became outcast; cut off from their families, friends and community. 

Today up to 40% of all homeless teenagers are gay or lesbian.  They are our modern day outcast; cut off from their families, friends, and community.  According to one study 26% of gay teens were kicked out of their homes when they came out to their parents.  Another study found that more than one third of youth who are homeless or in the care of social services experienced a violent physical assault when they came out. 

In Mark’s Gospel (Mark 1:40-42), Jesus cures a leper in the gesture of touching him.  At first glance, this story seems to be one of the many cures that Jesus performed in his public ministry.  But on a deeper level, it deals with social exclusion.  Jesus’ culture would have thought Jesus leprous as well after he touched the man who had leprosy.  The Gospel writer is clear, “Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him.” Jesus was willing to suffer the social consequences of the touch.  He was willing to stand against the beliefs of his own Judeo faith and touch the leper.  

We now know, as 21st century Christians, that leprosy is not a punishment from God. We would be hard press to find a Christian who would make such a claim.  Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis.  It is believed that 95% of the population is naturally immune to leprosy. 

In today’s society, some people still live in fear of homosexuality, as people lived in fear of leprosy.  However, as 21st century Christians, we now know that homosexuality is not a disorder.  According to the American Psychiatric Association when asked, “Is Homosexuality a mental disorder?” they answered, “No. All major professional mental health organizations have gone on record to affirm that homosexuality is not a mental disorder.”   Yet, we find that some Christian still live in fear of homosexuality, as Christians lived in fear of leprosy. 

What will it take to help our society overcome this fear?  It will take people like you and me who are willing to suffer the social consequences of reaching out and supporting our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters.  As Jesus did with the lepers.  We have to ask ourselves, “Are we willing to stand against the beliefs of our own culture and faith, as Jesus did with his?” 

 

Jesus, responded to the painful situations of his day, with the most loving response called forth; the warmth and comfort of the human touch.  How will we responded to this difficult situations of our day?  Hopefully, with the same warmth and comfort of the human touch and the gentle words, “You are beautifully and wonderfully made in the image and likeness of God.  And you are good.”

Peace and all good,

Brother Sun and Sister Moon

For more information on gay homeless youth download the following report by the National Coalition for Homeless; "Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, An Epidemic of Homelessness."

Personal Reflection:
Think of a time when you became an outcast because of your sexuality.  How did you feel?  Who affirmed you in your goodness?  Feel free to share your experience in the comment spaces below.