Signs of the Kingdom

Icon of Jesus and the Centurion

12th Week in Ordinary Time, Saturday (Year II)

Matthew 8:5-17

Jesusโ€™ fame as a healer spread far and wide in Palestine, attracting not only lepers but foreigners like the Roman centurion. Jews did not associate with either group; one was โ€œunclean,โ€ the other was โ€œGentile.โ€… Read the rest

Jesus and the Leper

Jesus Heals the Leper, by Rembrandt (1655-60)

12th Week in Ordinary Time, Friday (Year II)

Matthew 8:1-4

โ€œLord, if you wish, you can make me clean.โ€ 

The leper represents all of us in need of divine mercy. In the eyes of Jesus there are no untouchables, pariahs, outcasts, or rejects.… Read the rest