Most of us would have difficulty in relating to these readings because our current culture has so little awareness of leprosy, now known as Hansen’s disease. However, in past centuries it was as virulent as Covid is today.

Perhaps the responsorial psalm is the best place to begin to understand the Church’s reason for giving us these readings. Leprosy is a type or a symbol for sin, and sin is as contagious as is leprosy. (cf. Mt 18:15-17) And we go and show ourselves to the priest when we receive the sacrament of reconciliation.

The Mass readings can be found here:

Scripture Readings for 02/14/2021

The blog post can be found here:

Blog Post for 02/14/2021