Day 32

Leviticus 13:45-46; Luke 17:11-14

People with a variety of skin rashes could not live in the community.  They were forced to live outside the camp.   In Jesus day, people with conditions known as leprosy often wandered around in groups—homeless.  Who, in our day, is excluded from the security and safety of the community?  What conditions or circumstances force people into wandering?  How can we make sure that people not only have basic shelter but are also included in the community?

For Further Reflection

In the 1980’s the state of Illinois shifted its provision of mental health services from an institutional model to a community-based model.  While well-intentioned (place people in community), the result was often devastating to individuals and communities because there were not enough resources to meet their needs.  As a result, thousands of people who were “deinstitutionalized” ended up homeless.  Veterans, suffering from post-traumatic stress syndrome and inability to reintegrate into their communities also make up a significant portion of the homeless population.  What services are in place in your community to help these groups of wanderers?  How do those services need to be strengthened?  How are the churches in your community involved?