In both of today’s readings,
Gen. 17: 1, 9-10, 15-22 and Mt 8: 1-4, we witness two people being transparent
with the Lord. The result is amazing, revealing
how God relates to persons who are humble, sincere and open in their communication
with the Lord. A mutual confidence and caring exchange occurs. In Gen. Abram
laughs when God says that Abram, now 100 years of age, and Sarah, 99, will bear
a child. Abram says to God: “Bless Ishmael instead.” God does so9 but also blesses Abram and
Sarah, keeping His covenant with them.
In the Gospel, a leper, an outcast of society, approaches Jesus and
says: “If you wish, you can heal me.” And Jesus does just that.
Normalcy is ignored
and/or transcended in both cases. It
wasn’t normal for a couple to be fertile in advanced years nor was it,
according to societal norms in Jesus’ time for a leper to approach Jesus or for
Jesus to enter into a relationship with a leper. Both the leper and Jesus ignore these norms
and God’s compassion to the lowliest of people is revealed.
How confident am I in
approaching the Lord and honestly expressing my concerns? Do I wish to be healed? Do I ask that others be blessed? If not, why
not?
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