Jesus is looking again. And this time the look is being returned.
There is a story in the New Testament that tells of Jesus healing a man suffering from leprosy. The dialogue that follows is my re-telling, based on passages of scripture from Matthew, Mark and Luke.
Elias.
The leper scorned his own name.
The rumors and myths surrounding the man were unkind.
Spiteful.
Cruel.
His disease was cause for fear and loathing from even those who once called him a good friend.
Leprosy.
The word’s literal translation? “Makes the skin scaly” (contrary to myth, it does not cause body parts to fall off). He prayed for the numbness in his body to spread farther every minute – every second – of every day.
But something he heard in the words of John the Baptizer captured his attention, his imagination, maybe even his hope for the first time in a long time:
Watch closely: i’m sending my preacher ahead of you…
The teacher-healer was close by. What were the chances? He could not remember a time when his doubt was more severe. It mocked him with such brutal condescension that he found himself unable to imagine that Jesus could possibly pass nearby. That night he only dreamed of dying. The elusive scent of hope was long gone.
Night became day and he heard more rumors that Jesus was nearby. What happened next was incredible and unbearable. To receive ridicule and mockery was part of his daily routine, but to receive pure delight?
Elias dragged himself into the oncoming path of Jesus and the words poured out before he knew how to form them. People watched in stunned shock and silence as the leper spoke:
If you want to, you can cleanse me.
Jesus stopped and took him in. Looked deeply into him. In a profound act of kindness, Jesus’ heart-stirred response was overwhelming:
I do want to.
Jesus touched Elias and his disease disappeared. His skin was smooth and healthy. Jesus held Elias’ face in his hands and looked into his eyes. Elias felt (for the first time in a long time). Elias felt the hands of Jesus. And he looked back at him. Eyes clear, not downcast, but level, open, aware…
There’s more to this story, coming in next week’s post, but plenty to reflect on already…I’ll pause here and invite you to reflect with me.
Whether you are an experienced major donor fundraiser or just getting started, I encourage you to reflect regularly on how your heart, mind, body, and soul are faring relative to the sacred (and sometimes very difficult) work you do. Allow time to hold each question. Perhaps you can take time to journal as you discover what is true for you.
What lingers or “catches” in your mind and heart as you read this story?
Elias, the leper, scorned his own name. Of what are you most ashamed?
If you could voice any question to Jesus, what would it be?
Do you remember a time when someone looked into your face…and held you…and blessed you?
Or a time when you looked into someone’s face…and held them…and blessed them?
* * * * * * * * * *
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I look forward to hearing about your good work.
Blessings,
