March 16, Monday Lenten Weekday

A thirst is my soul for the living God. When shall I go and behold the face of God?--Psalm 42:3

Mass readings: 2 Kings 5:1-15 / Luke 4:24-30

Naaman the Leper

In a popular part of Wellington city there's a mall where I occasionally see a character known as the ''Blanket Man.'' He wanders around the place wearing only a pair of briefs and a ragged blanket. He looks dirty, his hair is unkempt and he probably smells bad. I wouldn't know -- I haven't been near enough to him to find out.

It's so easy for me to avoid people like him. He doesn't fit my idea of a ''normal'' person. I'm repelled by people who get around half naked and don't wash. But Jesus says clearly that it's just such people who will end up filling the rooms in the kingdom of heaven. So who am I to condemn them as unfit for my society?

Prayer: Lord, give me some of your openness toward society's misfits.