Many people, if given the choice, would probably spend most of their time with people much like themselves.

Fortunately for me, circumstances and the occasional wise choice have allowed me to know, quite well in some cases, people who differ from me in every kind of category --- race, religion, culture, education level, income bracket, etc. I am a better person for it. I am a better Christian for it.

In today's Gospel reading, Jesus reaches out to a leper, someone deemed unfit for society. The leper has heard of Jesus' healing power, and wants to know if it is available to the likes of him. "If you wish," the leper says to Jesus, "you can make me clean."

Jesus' response, says St. Mark, is swift and decisive: "Moved with pity, he stretched out his hand, touched him, and said to him, 'I do will it. Be made clean.'"

Jesus is not afraid of the leper. Jesus doesn't fear that he will be contaminated or diminished by reaching out to someone different, someone his religion and his society says is "unclean," someone he has been taught by his culture to reject. Lepers, of course, are not just different than observant Jews. They are sick and in some cases contagious.

Who are the people we are taught do not belong in our churches and our communities? Are they people of other races, religions, sexual orientations, economic and educational backgrounds? Who are the people we are afraid to touch?

I have, at times, been afraid of just about anyone who was different than me in a significant way. When I was in college, I went on a summer mission project to rural Mexico, and found that some of the poorest people I had ever encountered were also among the most generous, hospitable and content people I had ever encountered. They taught me more about the Gospel than I could ever teach them. I didn't need to be afraid. I needed to be open.

The most poignant part of today's Gospel is the fact that the leper is not sure of Christ's ability or desire to heal him. He wants to know if Jesus can heal him. He also wants to know if Jesus wants to heal him.

Jesus is quick to make it clear that his love extends to everyone, beyond the cultural and religious biases of his day. This is good news for all of us, for we all have a bit of the leper in us. We all have been rejected at some point by someone, and we all have wondered if the love of God extends even to us. Jesus assures us that it does.

The Gospel calls us to reach beyond our comfort zones. It isn't always easy, but it is always rewarding. The kingdom of God is not like a country club, where new members are selected based on their ability to fit in with existing members. It is more like a refugee camp, where we all come for the same reason --- our need for rescue --- and where the doors are always open to anyone needing help.

Bill Peatman writes from Napa.