Fathers

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What the Fathers say

Mark 1:41

Eastern Fathers

Theophylact of Ohrid

Christ touches him as a sign that nothing is unclean. The Law forbade touching a leper as unclean; but the Savior, wishing to show that nothing is unclean by nature, that the requirements of the Law must be abolished, and that they have power only over men, touches the leper — whereas even Elisha so feared the Law that he did not even wish to see Naaman, who was leprous and asking for healing.

Commentary on Mark ↗

Western Saints

Bede

Moreover, he doubted of the will of the Lord, not as disbelieving His compassion, but, as conscious of his own filth, he did not presume. It goes on; But Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will, be thou clean. It is not, as many of the Latins think, to be taken to mean and read, I wish to cleanse thee, but that Christ should say separately, I will, and then command, be thou clean.

Catena Aurea by Aquinas ↗