Day 59..."Laws of Leprosy...The Gospel of Mark Begins"

Leprosy, as we see in today's reading, was viewed as a major health risk. Even in Jesus' day on earth, Lepers were outcasts and stigmatized. Leviticus does provide glimpses of how people with disease where viewed in this day. The more sever cases obviously carried greater requirements to become reinstated in the community. As other subjects of Leviticus the main emphasis is on cleanliness or uncleanliness. The Psalmist says about the Lord's strength..."But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning.For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. O my Strength, I will sing praises to you,for you, O God, are my fortress,the God who shows me steadfast love." Mark begins his Gospel with the baptism of Jesus. Baptism is also an initiation into the Church. Notice also, following Jesus' baptism, He goes into the wilderness to battle Satan. As Matthew begins with genealogy, Luke the birth story, and John relating Jesus to all of creation...Mark begins with Jesus' ministry...initiated by both baptism and suriving 40 days in the wilderness.