Gospel in Art: And immediately the leprosy left him

Healing of the Blind Man and Healing of the Leper, Carolingian, 870AD, Lorraine ©V&A Museum, London

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 10 January 2025
Luke 5:12-16

While Jesus was in one of the cities, there came a man full of leprosy. And when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face and begged him, 'Lord, if you will, you can make me clean.' And Jesus stretched out his hand and touched him, saying, 'I will; be clean.' And immediately the leprosy left him. And he charged him to tell no one, but 'go and show yourself to the priest, and make an offering for your cleansing, as Moses commanded, for a proof to them.' But now even more the report about him went abroad, and great crowds gathered to hear him and to be healed of their infirmities. But he would withdraw to desolate places and pray.

Reflection on the carved ivory Book Cover

In today's Gospel reading, the leper seems uncertain about whether Jesus would want to heal him, saying, 'If you want to, you can make me clean.' Perhaps his experience of being treated as an outcast, living on the fringes of society, had led him to doubt that anyone would wish to change his situation, even if they had the power to do so. Jesus, however, responded without hesitation. He reached out, touched the man, and immediately the leprosy left the man. In touching the untouchable, Jesus demonstrated his deep compassion and willingness to embrace those rejected by others.

There may be moments in our own lives when, like the leper, we doubt whether the Lord truly wants to help us. We might question our worth or wonder if our struggles matter enough for him to intervene. Yet, in those times of uncertainty, we can be assured that Jesus' words to the leper are also meant for us: "Of course I want to." When we approach the Lord with the same earnestness and trust as the leper, we can be confident that he will respond to us in ways that bring renewal.

Our 9th century Carolingian book cover is a remarkable example of the period's intricate craftsmanship, showcasing two biblical scenes. The panel would not only have served as a protective covering but also have embellished the book with the detailed reliefs. In the lower scene of the panel, Christ is depicted with two apostles as he heals a blind man. With his thumb, Christ touches the man's eyes, while the blind man is guided forward by three helpers, symbolising both physical and spiritual restoration. In the upper scene, Christ is shown healing a leper, followed by four disciples. The leper's left arm and legs are marked with raised sores, vividly portraying his affliction and Christ's compassionate act of healing. The background of the plaque is very thin and bears pin-holes in the corners suggesting it was originally affixed to a separate backing, likely forming part of a treasured manuscript cover. This stunning ivory carving reflects the Carolingian tradition of combining religious devotion with exquisite artistic expression.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-5-12-16-2025/