In Jesus time, leprosy was one of the most dreaded diseases. Thus lepers had to live on the outskirts of the towns, far from the population.
Jewish religion looked upon leprosy as Gods punishment, a kind of physical impurity which is a symbol of sin. To the Jews, lepers were unclean so they were not allowed to enter the city, the synagogue and the Temple. They always had their faces covered and whenever a healthy person came close to them unknowingly, they had to announce their presence as a way of warning.
We find in todays Gospel a leper who dared approach Jesus asking him for healing saying, If you so will, you can make me clean. Such faith! The leper believed that Jesus could make him clean. And his request was instantly rewarded when Jesus said, I will. Be clean.
Are we capable of feeling compassion when someone comes to us for help especially the so-called rejects of our society? A lot of people need us, not only for material help but for our healing compassion as well. Let us not reject them.