Though last week’s parsha of Tazria discussed numerous types of blemishes that could be tzaraas, we don’t find the word Metzora referring to the person afflicted with the disease until this week’s parsha.
Last week discussed becoming impure, while this week talks about him becoming pure. One can only begin to be purified, when he acknowledges his errors and seeks to correct them. Only once he admits to being a Metzora, can he begin the purification process.
As we read the pesukim, though, we find over and over things that the Kohain must do to or for the person, and fewer things the person is responsible for himself. This is by design.
What led a person to become a metzora was his arrogance and belief that he was the arbiter of everything around him. He could judge for himself who was worthy of respect and who could be ridiculed or disdained.
Now, in order for him to be purified, he must follow the guidance of the Kohain at every step. By recognizing that his own vision might be flawed, he was able to undo the damage to his character and begin to change for the better.
Indeed, the metzora was anointed with blood and oil on his ear, thumb, and toe, just as a Kohain was upon his inauguration, showing deference to his teachers and leaders.
How appropriate on Shabbos HaGadol, when the rabbis preach more, because it prepares us to be guided by our spiritual leaders instead of by our own internal compasses.
