LEVITICUS
CHAPTER
13
1. The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron saying: 2. When a person has on the skin of his body a swelling or an eruption or a spot, and it turns into a leprous disease on the skin of his body, he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 1 to 2)
As in the case of the appearance of signs of physical disorder in the body, there can also e signs of spiritual disorder which may also have undesired consequences which also would be helpful to be referred to a priest or our spiritual director, so as in the case of the doctor in Your name You will guide us to healing by means of such people or even directly by Yourself.
3. The priest shalll examine the disease on the skin of his body, and if the hair in the diseased area has turned white and the disease appears to be deeper than the skin of his body, it is a leprous disease; after the priest has examined him he shall pronounce him ceremonially unclean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verse 3)
As in the case of sin, the Priest is given the authority by You oh God to judge if the case is of leprosy or the symptoms of a simple rash. In order to view the symptoms of leprosy please click on the following link:-
Symptoms of Leprosy
4. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body, and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall confine the diseased person for seven days. 5. The priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and if he sees that the disease is checked and the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall confine him seven days more. 6. The priest shall examine him again on the seventh day, and if the disease has abated and the disease has not spread in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is only an eruption, and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 4 to 6)
Oh thank You God for giving us a detailed explanation of the spread of leprosy. In Your infinite wisdom You motivated Moses and Aaron to establish the first form of quarantine ever. If only we could do the same process for us when we are infected with sin. If only we could undergo a period of seclusion during which we receive confession of our sins, praying over and maybe even counselling and fasting up to the point of receiving our healing.
7. But if the eruption spreads in the skin after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he shall appear again before the priest. 8. The priest shall make an examination, and if the eruption has spread in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprous disease.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 7 to 8)
According to the following video clip the details and symptoms mentioned in these verses are confirmed from a medical perspective thus proving the proof of Your Word oh God. I invite you all to click on the following link:-
Stages of development of Leprosy
9. When a person contracts a leprous disease, he shall be brought to the priest. 10. The priest shall make an examination, and if there is a white swelling in the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is quick raw flesh in the swelling, 11. it is a chronic leprous disease in the skin of his body. The priest shall pronounce him unclean; he shall not confine him, for he is unclean. 12. But if the disease breaks out in the skin, so that it covers all the skin of the diseased person from head to foot, so far as the priest can see, 13. then the priest shall make an examination, and if the disease has covered all his body, he shall pronounce him clean of the disease; since it has all turned white he is clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 9 to 13)
Oh God what a great responsibility You have assigned to the role of the priest. Even during our times the priest is a person who is proficient in many areas such as philosophy, theology and even counselling and psychiatry. I thank You oh God for giving Your priests such skills so that they can continue to be of service to You and to us and help us on many levels. May we all refer to such services especially during ties of crisis instead of to the ways of the world.
14. But if raw flesh ever appears on him, he shall be unclean, 15. the priest shall examine the raw flesh and pronounce him unclean. Raw flesh is unclean, for it is a leprous disease. 16. But if the raw flesh again turns white, he shall come to the priest; 17. the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has turned white, the priest shall pronounce the diseased person clean. He is clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 14 to 17)
As Roman Catholics, Christians and humans in general in a spiritual point of view we are all lepers, in the sense that sin makes us unclean. However as in the case of leprosy our symptoms also come and go. When we go to confession it is like when we are going to the high priest to be checked and declared as being clean, however if our sins our extremely serious the priest cannot declare us as being clean.
In order to obtain a deeper insight on this similarity I invite you to click on the following links:-
The confession process
Why we must confess our sins?
18. When there is on the skin of one's body a boil that has healed, 19. and in the place of the boil there appears a white swelling or a reddish-white spot, it shall be shown to the priest. 20. The priest shall make an examination, and if it appears deeper than the skin and its hair has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; this is a leprous disease, broken out in the boil.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 18 to 20)
As in the case of leprosy the priest at the time of confession may probe deeper into the issues that we present to him. This is an in depth examination with the hope of finding traces of sorrow in us that merits absolution of our sins and also the possible alternative to help us not repeat the particular issues again.
21. But if the priest examines it and the hair on it is not white, nor is it deeper than the skin but has abated, the priest shall confine him seven days.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verse 21)
If again the priest examines the person and finds him to be better but still not beyond reasonable doubt the person is again confined for seven days. Thu is the same when a person is processed before an authority if the persons concerned are not satisfied they are entitled for re examination. God may not call us for a re examination however he may permit us to experience the same circumstances as before so that we may experience growth by means of them.
22. If it spreads in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is diseased. 23. But if the spot remains in one place and does not spread, it is the scar of the boil; the priest shall pronounce him clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 22 to 23)
On the same criteria in relation to the causes and effects of sin or the sinful act, the priest also assesses if the sin is an isolated case or if there is a pattern to the extent that this act has had a negative impact on others causing serious negative consequences.
24. Or, when the body has a burn on the skin and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a spot, reddish-white or white, 25. the priest shall examine it. If the hair in the spot has turned white and it appears deeper than the skin, it is a leprous disease; it has broken out in the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. This is a leprous disease
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 24 to 25)
Oh God sin comes in many sizes form and color which makes it look more attractive to us. Moreover some problems that we may experience may have more than one issue that is active in the situation. A person may be addicted to drugs and in order to sustain the addiction one is involved in a life of crime. As in the case of the burn that is one issue it may have the other symptoms showing that there are also clear indications of leprosy.
26.But if the priest examines it and the hair in the spot is not white, and it is no deeper than the skin but has abated, the priest shall confine him seven days. 27. The priest shall examine him the seventh day; if it is spreading in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean. This is a leprous disease. 28.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 26 to 28)
As in the case of Leprosy we are in need of going regularly for confession because the disease or sin may appear again and again in a different area of our life, and the priest will be in an ideal position in the name of God to make us aware of such an appearance and guide us on to the path of becoming healed,
29. When a man or woman has a disease on the head or in the beard, 30. the priest shall examine the disease. If it appears deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is an itch, a leprous disease of the head or the beard.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 29 to 30)
When we are deeply contaminated by sin our behaviour as in the colour of the hair in the skin changes. We start to think as based on that sinful way and even behave until we become totally possessed by that sinful act or behaviour,
31. If the priest examines the itching disease, and it appears no deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall confine the person with the itching disease for seven days. 32. On the seventh day the priest shall examine the itch; if the itch has not spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the itch appears to be no deeper than the skin, 33. he shall shave, but the itch he shall not shave. The priest shall confine the person with the itch for seven days more.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 31 to 33)
In order not to spread further contamination the suspected effected parts were not to be shaved. Moreover this would destroy traces of the discoloured hair in the effected area which was a primary indicator of the presence of leprosy. In the case of the sinful act, the indicators of the sinful activity are to be controlled in order to stop the activity. This may determine if the activity will continue or not.
34. On the seventh day the priest shall examine the itch; if the itch has not spread in the skin and it appears to be no deeper than the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean. He shall wash his clothes and be clean. 35. But if the itch spreads in the skin after he was pronounced clean, 36. the priest shall examine him. If the itch has spread in the skin, the priest need not seek for the yellow hair; he is unclean. 37. But if in his eyes the itch is checked, and black hair has grown in it, the itch is healed, he is clean; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 34 to 37)
As in the medical profession and many others oh God You have given us strict criteria which to follow in order to be on the right track on Your ways and not on those of the world. Among such criteria and regulations You gave us Your Commandments which if referred to and kept as strict rules we will be able to live a life that is according to Your holy will.
38. When a man or a woman has spots on the skin of the body, white spots, 39. the priest shall make an examination, and if the spots on the skin of the body are of a dull white, it is a rash that has broken out on the skin; he is clean.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 38 to 39)
Throughout my time of prayer on this chapter oh God I have been itching and suspecting that I have contracted leprosy, however not all itches and abnormalities in the skin are indications of this disease. As in verses 38 to 39 the case could be that of a common rash which is no reason for alarm.
40. If anyone loses the hair from his head, he is bald but he is clean. 41. If he loses the hair from his forehead and temples, he has baldness of the forehead but he is clean. 42. But if there is on the bald head or the bald forehead a reddish-white diseased spot, it is a leprou disease breaking out on his bald head or his bald forehead.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 40 to 42)
When comparing leprosy to sin (not that it has anything to do with sins at least not proved yet!) oh God this illness is like negative thoughts that attack the head. The gateway of the brain can be compared to the forehead which is the centre part of the two halfs of the brain. Once sinful thoughts have infiltrated our brain they can keep on spreading throughout our holy body and even harm our soul. Therefore it is always healthy to be on guard against the transmission and reception of such sources in order to ensure our spiritual and even physical and psychological welfare.
43. The priest shall examine him; if the diseased swelling is reddish-white on his bald head or on his bald forehead, which resembles a leprous disease in the skin of the body, 44. he is leprous, he is unclean. The priest shall pronounce him unclean; the disease is on his head.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 43 to 44)
As much as the priest publicly confirms that the person is a leper due to his leprosy, I freely proclaim to all that I am a sinner, who is prone to sins as much and even more than anybody else. When I am praying on the Word of God I am harassed by many negative thoughts and desires, however You oh God are always with me, even though at times I am found weak when confronted by such situations. I pray oh God that during prayer time you anoint me with Your Holy Spirit and inflame my brain with positive thoughts and natural healthy desires instead of instant gratifications.
45. The person who has the leprous disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head be disheveled; and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, "Unclean, unclean."46. He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 45 to 46)
The person with leprosy was to wear particular clothes and live in a secluded place. Moreover the latter was to proclaim that he was unclean all the time until he was free from the disease. Now oh God if us sinners where to wear a badge or label around our necks or on our chests or breasts, that shows that we are sinners and proclaim ourselves as sinners everywhere we go, until we were free from that particular sin It would be a very interesting situation for all would be wearing this badge and nobody would be able to judge anybody else.
47. Concerning clothing: when a leprous disease appears in it, in woolen or linen cloth, 48. in warp or woof of linen or wool, or in a skin or in anything made of skin, 49. if the disease shows greenish or reddish in the garment, whether in warp or woof in skin or in anything made of skin, it is a leprous disease and shall be shown to the priest.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 47 to 49)
It seems that even though the person with Leprosy covered himself up with fabric the disease still managed to show. This is also the case with sin. Although we try to conceal it in the best way we can, the truth will somehow always surface in the situation and become outstanding over the negative and sinful situation.
50. The priest shall examine the disease, and put the diseased article aside for seven days. 51. He shall examine the disease on the seventh day. If the disease has spread in the cloth, in warp or woof, or in the skin, whatever be the use of the skin, this is a spreading leprous disease; it is unclean. 52. He shall burn the clothing, whether diseased in warp or woof, woolen or linen, or anything of skin, for it is a spreading leprous disease; it shall be burned in fire.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 50 to 52)
For some reason the allotted days for examination were seven days which is also the amount of days God used to create the world. The world is a mixture of good and bad. There are positive agents such as God who is the creator of good, and there is the evil one who does all he can to contaminate the works of God. As in the case of the contents contaminated by leprosy, there also exists the fires of hell which is not a myth but a fact.
In relation to the reality of hell, purgatory and heaven I invite you to click on the following link:-
The reality of heaven and purgatory
The reality of hell
The reality of purgatory
53.If the priest makes an examination, and the disease has not spread in the clothing, in warp or woof or in anything of skin, 54. the priest shall command them to wash the article in which the disease appears, and he shall put it aside seven days more.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 53 to 54)
The priest orders the person with Leprosy to clean and discard anything that is suspected of being contaminated. From a perspective of sin we can take advantage of the sinful situation and by means of spiritual direction we can in a spirit of prayer be helped to discern positive traits from the same negative situation that we can use for our spiritual growth. A positive aspect may be doing voluntary work with a person whom you were accused of hurting or stealing or even buying a nice present for the person concerned.
55. The priest shall examine the diseased article after it has been washed. If the diseased spot has not changed color, though the disease has not spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in fire. whether the leprous spot is on the inside or on the outside.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verse 55)
During confession the priest sort of analyzes us week after week in order to see if there is any improvement in our behaviour. As a fact our internal behaviour that of the mind and the soul is manifested by our external behaviour that is by our actions, therefore the priest analyzes us on both levels,
56. If the priest makes an examination, and the disease has abated after it is washed, he shall tear the spot out of the cloth, in warp or woof, or out of skin. 57. If it appears again in the garment, in warp or woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading; you shall burn with fire that in which the disease appears.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 56 to 57)
As in the case of sin leprosy may appear time and time again even if it appears to be totally cured. This proves the fact that as sick people we are always in need of You oh God, because You are our one and only healer.
58. But the cloth, warp or woof, or anything of skin from which the disease disappears when you have washed it, shall then be washed a second time it shall be clean. 59. This is the ritual for a leprous disease in a cloth or linen, either in warp or woof, or in anything of skin, to decide whether it is clean or unclean.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 58 to 59)
As in the case of the ritual for people who have Leprosy, the Roman Catholic Church has its established rites in order to deal with sinners of different degrees. People such as You and me. In order to help us pinpoint our sins I have included this link which gives us an overview covering many forms of sins
Different types of sin
I would like to end this chapter with a special prayer for the husband of a colleague at work whose husband has a chronic heart condition and may be in need of a serious operation. I offer You the husband along with all the family, that oh God You will have mercy on this particular family and all who are enduring similar situations.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verse 3)
As in the case of sin, the Priest is given the authority by You oh God to judge if the case is of leprosy or the symptoms of a simple rash. In order to view the symptoms of leprosy please click on the following link:-
Symptoms of Leprosy
4. But if the spot is white in the skin of his body, and appears no deeper than the skin, and the hair in it has not turned white, the priest shall confine the diseased person for seven days. 5. The priest shall examine him on the seventh day, and if he sees that the disease is checked and the disease has not spread in the skin, then the priest shall confine him seven days more. 6. The priest shall examine him again on the seventh day, and if the disease has abated and the disease has not spread in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean: it is only an eruption, and he shall wash his clothes, and be clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 4 to 6)
Oh thank You God for giving us a detailed explanation of the spread of leprosy. In Your infinite wisdom You motivated Moses and Aaron to establish the first form of quarantine ever. If only we could do the same process for us when we are infected with sin. If only we could undergo a period of seclusion during which we receive confession of our sins, praying over and maybe even counselling and fasting up to the point of receiving our healing.
7. But if the eruption spreads in the skin after he has shown himself to the priest for his cleansing, he shall appear again before the priest. 8. The priest shall make an examination, and if the eruption has spread in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprous disease.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 7 to 8)
According to the following video clip the details and symptoms mentioned in these verses are confirmed from a medical perspective thus proving the proof of Your Word oh God. I invite you all to click on the following link:-
Stages of development of Leprosy
9. When a person contracts a leprous disease, he shall be brought to the priest. 10. The priest shall make an examination, and if there is a white swelling in the skin that has turned the hair white, and there is quick raw flesh in the swelling, 11. it is a chronic leprous disease in the skin of his body. The priest shall pronounce him unclean; he shall not confine him, for he is unclean. 12. But if the disease breaks out in the skin, so that it covers all the skin of the diseased person from head to foot, so far as the priest can see, 13. then the priest shall make an examination, and if the disease has covered all his body, he shall pronounce him clean of the disease; since it has all turned white he is clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 9 to 13)
Oh God what a great responsibility You have assigned to the role of the priest. Even during our times the priest is a person who is proficient in many areas such as philosophy, theology and even counselling and psychiatry. I thank You oh God for giving Your priests such skills so that they can continue to be of service to You and to us and help us on many levels. May we all refer to such services especially during ties of crisis instead of to the ways of the world.
14. But if raw flesh ever appears on him, he shall be unclean, 15. the priest shall examine the raw flesh and pronounce him unclean. Raw flesh is unclean, for it is a leprous disease. 16. But if the raw flesh again turns white, he shall come to the priest; 17. the priest shall examine him, and if the disease has turned white, the priest shall pronounce the diseased person clean. He is clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 14 to 17)
As Roman Catholics, Christians and humans in general in a spiritual point of view we are all lepers, in the sense that sin makes us unclean. However as in the case of leprosy our symptoms also come and go. When we go to confession it is like when we are going to the high priest to be checked and declared as being clean, however if our sins our extremely serious the priest cannot declare us as being clean.
In order to obtain a deeper insight on this similarity I invite you to click on the following links:-
The confession process
Why we must confess our sins?
18. When there is on the skin of one's body a boil that has healed, 19. and in the place of the boil there appears a white swelling or a reddish-white spot, it shall be shown to the priest. 20. The priest shall make an examination, and if it appears deeper than the skin and its hair has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; this is a leprous disease, broken out in the boil.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 18 to 20)
As in the case of leprosy the priest at the time of confession may probe deeper into the issues that we present to him. This is an in depth examination with the hope of finding traces of sorrow in us that merits absolution of our sins and also the possible alternative to help us not repeat the particular issues again.
21. But if the priest examines it and the hair on it is not white, nor is it deeper than the skin but has abated, the priest shall confine him seven days.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verse 21)
If again the priest examines the person and finds him to be better but still not beyond reasonable doubt the person is again confined for seven days. Thu is the same when a person is processed before an authority if the persons concerned are not satisfied they are entitled for re examination. God may not call us for a re examination however he may permit us to experience the same circumstances as before so that we may experience growth by means of them.
22. If it spreads in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is diseased. 23. But if the spot remains in one place and does not spread, it is the scar of the boil; the priest shall pronounce him clean.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 22 to 23)
On the same criteria in relation to the causes and effects of sin or the sinful act, the priest also assesses if the sin is an isolated case or if there is a pattern to the extent that this act has had a negative impact on others causing serious negative consequences.
24. Or, when the body has a burn on the skin and the raw flesh of the burn becomes a spot, reddish-white or white, 25. the priest shall examine it. If the hair in the spot has turned white and it appears deeper than the skin, it is a leprous disease; it has broken out in the burn, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean. This is a leprous disease
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 24 to 25)
Oh God sin comes in many sizes form and color which makes it look more attractive to us. Moreover some problems that we may experience may have more than one issue that is active in the situation. A person may be addicted to drugs and in order to sustain the addiction one is involved in a life of crime. As in the case of the burn that is one issue it may have the other symptoms showing that there are also clear indications of leprosy.
26.But if the priest examines it and the hair in the spot is not white, and it is no deeper than the skin but has abated, the priest shall confine him seven days. 27. The priest shall examine him the seventh day; if it is spreading in the skin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean. This is a leprous disease. 28.
(Leviticus Chapter 13 verses 26 to 28)
As in the case of Leprosy we are in need of going regularly for confession because the disease or sin may appear again and again in a different area of our life, and the priest will be in an ideal position in the name of God to make us aware of such an appearance and guide us on to the path of becoming healed,
29. When a man or woman has a disease on the head or in the beard, 30. the priest shall examine the disease. If it appears deeper than the skin and the hair in it is yellow and thin, the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is an itch, a leprous disease of the head or the beard.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 29 to 30)
When we are deeply contaminated by sin our behaviour as in the colour of the hair in the skin changes. We start to think as based on that sinful way and even behave until we become totally possessed by that sinful act or behaviour,
31. If the priest examines the itching disease, and it appears no deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, the priest shall confine the person with the itching disease for seven days. 32. On the seventh day the priest shall examine the itch; if the itch has not spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the itch appears to be no deeper than the skin, 33. he shall shave, but the itch he shall not shave. The priest shall confine the person with the itch for seven days more.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 31 to 33)
In order not to spread further contamination the suspected effected parts were not to be shaved. Moreover this would destroy traces of the discoloured hair in the effected area which was a primary indicator of the presence of leprosy. In the case of the sinful act, the indicators of the sinful activity are to be controlled in order to stop the activity. This may determine if the activity will continue or not.
34. On the seventh day the priest shall examine the itch; if the itch has not spread in the skin and it appears to be no deeper than the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean. He shall wash his clothes and be clean. 35. But if the itch spreads in the skin after he was pronounced clean, 36. the priest shall examine him. If the itch has spread in the skin, the priest need not seek for the yellow hair; he is unclean. 37. But if in his eyes the itch is checked, and black hair has grown in it, the itch is healed, he is clean; and the priest shall pronounce him clean.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 34 to 37)
As in the medical profession and many others oh God You have given us strict criteria which to follow in order to be on the right track on Your ways and not on those of the world. Among such criteria and regulations You gave us Your Commandments which if referred to and kept as strict rules we will be able to live a life that is according to Your holy will.
38. When a man or a woman has spots on the skin of the body, white spots, 39. the priest shall make an examination, and if the spots on the skin of the body are of a dull white, it is a rash that has broken out on the skin; he is clean.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 38 to 39)
Throughout my time of prayer on this chapter oh God I have been itching and suspecting that I have contracted leprosy, however not all itches and abnormalities in the skin are indications of this disease. As in verses 38 to 39 the case could be that of a common rash which is no reason for alarm.
40. If anyone loses the hair from his head, he is bald but he is clean. 41. If he loses the hair from his forehead and temples, he has baldness of the forehead but he is clean. 42. But if there is on the bald head or the bald forehead a reddish-white diseased spot, it is a leprou disease breaking out on his bald head or his bald forehead.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 40 to 42)
When comparing leprosy to sin (not that it has anything to do with sins at least not proved yet!) oh God this illness is like negative thoughts that attack the head. The gateway of the brain can be compared to the forehead which is the centre part of the two halfs of the brain. Once sinful thoughts have infiltrated our brain they can keep on spreading throughout our holy body and even harm our soul. Therefore it is always healthy to be on guard against the transmission and reception of such sources in order to ensure our spiritual and even physical and psychological welfare.
43. The priest shall examine him; if the diseased swelling is reddish-white on his bald head or on his bald forehead, which resembles a leprous disease in the skin of the body, 44. he is leprous, he is unclean. The priest shall pronounce him unclean; the disease is on his head.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 43 to 44)
As much as the priest publicly confirms that the person is a leper due to his leprosy, I freely proclaim to all that I am a sinner, who is prone to sins as much and even more than anybody else. When I am praying on the Word of God I am harassed by many negative thoughts and desires, however You oh God are always with me, even though at times I am found weak when confronted by such situations. I pray oh God that during prayer time you anoint me with Your Holy Spirit and inflame my brain with positive thoughts and natural healthy desires instead of instant gratifications.
45. The person who has the leprous disease shall wear torn clothes and let the hair of his head be disheveled; and he shall cover his upper lip and cry out, "Unclean, unclean."46. He shall remain unclean as long as he has the disease; he is unclean. He shall live alone; his dwelling shall be outside the camp.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 45 to 46)
The person with leprosy was to wear particular clothes and live in a secluded place. Moreover the latter was to proclaim that he was unclean all the time until he was free from the disease. Now oh God if us sinners where to wear a badge or label around our necks or on our chests or breasts, that shows that we are sinners and proclaim ourselves as sinners everywhere we go, until we were free from that particular sin It would be a very interesting situation for all would be wearing this badge and nobody would be able to judge anybody else.
47. Concerning clothing: when a leprous disease appears in it, in woolen or linen cloth, 48. in warp or woof of linen or wool, or in a skin or in anything made of skin, 49. if the disease shows greenish or reddish in the garment, whether in warp or woof in skin or in anything made of skin, it is a leprous disease and shall be shown to the priest.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 47 to 49)
It seems that even though the person with Leprosy covered himself up with fabric the disease still managed to show. This is also the case with sin. Although we try to conceal it in the best way we can, the truth will somehow always surface in the situation and become outstanding over the negative and sinful situation.
50. The priest shall examine the disease, and put the diseased article aside for seven days. 51. He shall examine the disease on the seventh day. If the disease has spread in the cloth, in warp or woof, or in the skin, whatever be the use of the skin, this is a spreading leprous disease; it is unclean. 52. He shall burn the clothing, whether diseased in warp or woof, woolen or linen, or anything of skin, for it is a spreading leprous disease; it shall be burned in fire.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 50 to 52)
For some reason the allotted days for examination were seven days which is also the amount of days God used to create the world. The world is a mixture of good and bad. There are positive agents such as God who is the creator of good, and there is the evil one who does all he can to contaminate the works of God. As in the case of the contents contaminated by leprosy, there also exists the fires of hell which is not a myth but a fact.
In relation to the reality of hell, purgatory and heaven I invite you to click on the following link:-
The reality of heaven and purgatory
The reality of hell
The reality of purgatory
53.If the priest makes an examination, and the disease has not spread in the clothing, in warp or woof or in anything of skin, 54. the priest shall command them to wash the article in which the disease appears, and he shall put it aside seven days more.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 53 to 54)
The priest orders the person with Leprosy to clean and discard anything that is suspected of being contaminated. From a perspective of sin we can take advantage of the sinful situation and by means of spiritual direction we can in a spirit of prayer be helped to discern positive traits from the same negative situation that we can use for our spiritual growth. A positive aspect may be doing voluntary work with a person whom you were accused of hurting or stealing or even buying a nice present for the person concerned.
55. The priest shall examine the diseased article after it has been washed. If the diseased spot has not changed color, though the disease has not spread, it is unclean; you shall burn it in fire. whether the leprous spot is on the inside or on the outside.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verse 55)
During confession the priest sort of analyzes us week after week in order to see if there is any improvement in our behaviour. As a fact our internal behaviour that of the mind and the soul is manifested by our external behaviour that is by our actions, therefore the priest analyzes us on both levels,
56. If the priest makes an examination, and the disease has abated after it is washed, he shall tear the spot out of the cloth, in warp or woof, or out of skin. 57. If it appears again in the garment, in warp or woof, or in anything of skin, it is spreading; you shall burn with fire that in which the disease appears.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 56 to 57)
As in the case of sin leprosy may appear time and time again even if it appears to be totally cured. This proves the fact that as sick people we are always in need of You oh God, because You are our one and only healer.
58. But the cloth, warp or woof, or anything of skin from which the disease disappears when you have washed it, shall then be washed a second time it shall be clean. 59. This is the ritual for a leprous disease in a cloth or linen, either in warp or woof, or in anything of skin, to decide whether it is clean or unclean.
(Leviticus chapter 13 verses 58 to 59)
As in the case of the ritual for people who have Leprosy, the Roman Catholic Church has its established rites in order to deal with sinners of different degrees. People such as You and me. In order to help us pinpoint our sins I have included this link which gives us an overview covering many forms of sins
Different types of sin
I would like to end this chapter with a special prayer for the husband of a colleague at work whose husband has a chronic heart condition and may be in need of a serious operation. I offer You the husband along with all the family, that oh God You will have mercy on this particular family and all who are enduring similar situations.
