Homily for Friday after the Epiphany of the Lord

The Lord demonstrates true service by reaching out to those marginalized by society. Instead of seeking the powerful and wealthy, Jesus engaged with the poor, as well as tax collectors, prostitutes, and thieves, encouraging their dignity.

In today's Gospel, He encounters a man with leprosy who was required to live apart from society and declare his unclean status. Defying convention, the man approaches Jesus, begging to be made clean. Jesus' response is profound; He touches the leper, shocking everyone around Him. This act of compassion and acceptance illustrates Jesus' mission to heal and restore, embodying the “pastoral” risk-taking that defines being a fisher of God's people.