Lepers

I have seen people this last week, and they are all lepers. I have been the definition of a leper, for years and years and years, and by some demented twist of fate, this last week as everyone closest to me has crawled forth bleeding and wailing and chocking, I have held together unswervingly. Jesus in reality, I think, is much stronger than portrayed here. But with Jesus flowing through my veins, what is portrayed here is me. I look around, and I see everyone hurting, and I see myself hurting, and something apart from me has held me together. It's overwhelming to see the lepers, and its comforting at the same time to see that I am not alone as one of them. And often there is no comfort here: no grace from persecutors, no relenting of the pressures, and worst of all, no understanding from others crying out to be healed. In this dysfunctional community I see and I feel something apart, but a part, holding me together, and I believe it's God.

This version of The Lepers scene is from the film "Jesus Christ Superstar." If you go to youtube and search "The Lepers Jesus Christ Superstar," the second option that shows up is from the Egyptian Theater Company and it is my favorite betrayal besides the one I saw live in my hometown.

3/6/11