ACC ~ Mark 1 v41

WHY DID HE TOUCH THE LEPER?

ORIGEN: And why did he touch him, since the law forbade the touching of a leper? He touched him to show that “all things are clean to the clean.” [1] Because the filth that is in one person does not adhere to others, nor does external uncleanness defile the clean of heart. So he touches him in his untouchability, that he might instruct us in humility; that he might teach us that we should despise no one, or abhor them, or regard them as pitiable, because of some wound of their body or some blemish for which they might be called to render an account. … So, stretching forth his hand to touch, the leprosy immediately departs. The hand of the Lord is found to have touched not a leper, but a body made clean! Let us consider here, beloved, if there be anyone here that has the taint of leprosy in his soul, or the contamination of guilt in his heart? If he has, instantly adoring God, let him say: “Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.” FRAGMENTS ON MATTHEW 2.2-3 [2]

[1] Tit 1:15.

[2] GCS 41.1:248-9; SSGF 1:301-02*.

THE SIGN OF TOUCHING

CHRYSOSTOM: He did not simply say, “I will, be cleansed,” but he also “extended his hand, and touched him”—an act we do well to analyze. If he cleansed him merely by willing it and by speaking it, why did he also add the touch of his hand? For no other reason, it seems to me, than that he might signify by this that he is not under the hand of the law, but the law is in his hands. Hence to the pure in heart, from now on, nothing is impure. [1] … He touched the leper to signify that he heals not as servant but as Lord. For the leprosy did not defile his hand, but his holy hand cleansed the leprous body. THE GOSPEL OF ST. MATTHEW, HOMILY 25.2. [2]

[1] Cf. Tit 1:15.

[2] TLG 2062.152, 57.329.7.13, 17-21; NPNF 1 10:173**; His touch conveyed his lordship over the law, and his holiness, which cannot be defiled.