there are several kinds of leprosies in regard to the body, for some are but light and affect only the skin, whilst others affect the body and are mortal, so are there several kinds of spiritual leprosies, or sins. We are all, in some degree at least, affected with spiritual leprosy. Imagine, therefore, that your soul is deeply affected with this disorder, and with " Naaman the Syrian" (4 Kings v.) earnestly seek for some prophet to purify you.
II. The ancient law of God commanded, that, "If the stroke of the leprosy be in a man he shall be brought to a priest" (Lev. xiii. 9), to be pronounced unclean, and separated from the others; but in the new law he is brought to the priest to be purified. Our high priest is Christ our Lord, according to the Psalmist, " Thou art a priest forever according to the order of Melchisedech." (Ps. cix. 4.) How ardently therefore ought you to desire to be introduced in the Eucharist, to this priest who will not employ water as Eliseus did, but with His own precious blood, " will cleanse our conscience from dead works." (Heb. ix. 14.)
III. In order that you may be perfectly purified, you must imitate the lepers in the gospel. 1. You must go forth to meet Christ. 2. You must stand afar off, that, is, you must humbly acknowledge your own unworthiness. 3. You must lift up your voice, by fervent and persevering prayer. 4. You must pray for mercy as they did; " Jesus Master, have mercy on us." Lastly, you must follow the injunctions, and counsels of your spiritual guides and physicians, " and do whatsoever the priests of the Levitical race, shall teach thee." (Deut. xxiv. 8.)
