Daily Readings - Fri Jun 25 2021
Genesis
1In truth, after he began to be ninety-nine years of age, the Lord appeared to him. And he said to him: "I am the Almighty God. Walk in my sight and become complete5No longer will your name be called Abram. But you will be called Abraham, for I have established you as the father of many nations9Again God said to Abraham: "And you therefore shall keep my covenant, and your offspring after you in their generations10This is my covenant, which you shall observe, between me and you, and your offspring after you: All the males among you shall be circumcised15God said also to Abraham: "Your wife Sarai, you shall not call Sarai, but Sarah16And I will bless her, and from her I will give you a son, whom I will bless, and he will be among the nations, and the kings of the peoples will rise from him.17Abraham fell on his face, and he laughed, saying in his heart: "Do you think a son can be born to a one hundred year old man? And will Sarah give birth at the age of ninety?18And he said to God, "If only Ishmael would live in your sight.19And God said to Abraham: "Your wife Sarah shall give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Isaac, and I will establish my covenant with him as a perpetual covenant, and with his offspring after him20Likewise, concerning Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I will bless and enlarge him, and I will multiply him greatly. He will produce twelve leaders, and I will make him into a great nation21Yet in truth, I will establish my covenant with Isaac, to whom Sarah will give birth for you at this time next year.22And when he had finished speaking with him, God ascended from Abraham
Matthew
1And when he had descended from the mountain, great crowds followed him2And behold, a leper, drawing near, adored him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you are able to cleanse me.3And Jesus, extending his hand, touched him, saying: "I am willing. Be cleansed." And immediately his leprosy was cleansed4And Jesus said to him: "See to it that you tell no one. But go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses instructed, as a testimony for them.
Sermon
The readings today invite us to reflect on the themes of faith, trust, and God’s covenant relationship with humanity. In the first reading from Genesis, we hear the story of God’s promise to Abraham, where God establishes a covenant with him, changing his name from Abram to Abraham and instituting circumcision as a sign of that covenant. Abraham, though initially doubting and even laughing at the promise of a son in his old age, ultimately places his trust in God’s plan. The Gospel reading from Matthew complements this by showing Jesus’ compassion and authority in healing a leper. The leper approaches Jesus with humility and faith, acknowledging Jesus’ power to heal, and Jesus responds with mercy and a touch that restores him.
The context of these readings is rooted in the larger narrative of God’s relationship with His people. In Genesis, we see the beginning of God’s covenant with Abraham, who is called to be the father of a great nation. This covenant is not just a promise but a commitment that requires faith and obedience from Abraham. In Matthew, we see the fulfillment of God’s covenant in Jesus, who embodies God’s mercy and healing power. The leper’s encounter with Jesus reflects the same kind of faith and trust that Abraham exhibits, despite his doubts.
These readings remind us that faith is not about having all the answers or being free from doubt. Abraham’s laughter at the promise of a son shows that even the great figures of faith struggle with God’s plans. Yet, it is precisely in these moments of uncertainty that we are called to trust in God’s fidelity. The leper in the Gospel does not question whether Jesus can heal him; he simply asks with humility and confidence. For us, this means approaching God with the same humility and trust, even when life seems uncertain or impossible. We are called to walk in God’s sight, as Abraham did, and to have faith that His promises will be fulfilled in His time.
In our daily lives, these readings challenge us to reflect on where we place our trust. Do we trust in God’s plan, even when it seems unlikely or difficult? Do we approach Him with the humility and faith of the leper? Let us remember that God’s covenant with us is one of love and mercy, and that He is always faithful to His promises. May we, like Abraham and the leper, respond to God’s call with trust and obedience, knowing that He is the Almighty God who walks with us always.