June 30, 2023, Friday of the 12th Week in Ordinary Time-A
Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22
Psalm 128
Matthew 8:1-4
“Can a child be born to a man, who is a hundred years old?” Gen. 17:17
“Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.” Mt, 8:2
Lord of both the Old and New Testaments, I am blessed to read the stories of faith. Abraham had a very logical question when told he was going to be a father of a nation. It made no sense to expect his elderly wife could become pregnant at their age as you promised him. In fact, he thought it funny. Who of us wouldn’t have reacted in the same way? The leper did not ask you if you could make him clean, he believed in his heart you could do what seemed impossible. He accepted whatever your will moved you to do. I can imagine the people who followed you down from the mountain scattering to avoid contact with this man who was rejected by society. Moved with pity and seeing his faith you cured him and restored him to his family and community. Two impossible scenarios displayed the power of faith. How many of us shunned anyone with COVD-19 like the people did the leper. Thanks be to God many doctors and nurses and other healthcare workers continue to work miracles of healing in our day. Lord, grow my faith so I too can believe in the impossible. Amen.