Hesed is a love that not many of us know on a personal level. We would long for it if we did. This weekend at the West Coast wedding of a friend, the pastor spoke of hesed as a loyal and steadfast love. When the bride entered the church….well, after she snuck in and then after a moment in hiding behind a screen, called out, “Sorry I’m late!” she stood with all eyes on her and looked down the aisle at her soon-to-be husband and she welled up with tears. The journey to this moment has been a long one, and those gathered felt the joy and intensity of the love being celebrated.
Today’s Gospel was about the inclusion of someone from community due to leprosy. The wedding yesterday was about community, strong and broad, borne out of fidelity to God, family, and friends. I cannot imagine being cut off from community. Joining my friend for her wedding seemed like something I had to do, to stand with her as she exchanged her vows, to bless them as they began their life together, and to affirm the decision that was reached.
Jesus reached out to touch the leper and he longs for each of us to experience his healing touch and the joy of hesed. May you come to know it if you have never experienced it before.
Peace,
Suzanne
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