REFLECTION/HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE TWELFTH WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME

June 30, 2023

5 min read

GOD’S ACTIVE INTERVENTION IN OUR LIVES AND HIS ABILITY TO BRING ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE

First Reading: Genesis 17:1,9-10,15-22
Responsorial Psalm: Ps. 127(128):1-5
Gospel Reading: Matthew 8:1-4
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In the vast expanse of human history, there are stories that echo through the corridors of time, inviting us to behold the profound depths of God’s active intervention in our lives. These stories serve as timeless reminders of His ability to bring about positive change, even in the most improbable circumstances. These moments stand as beacons, illuminating the path we walk and reminding us of the remarkable power and grace of our Creator. Today, let us embark on a journey that weaves together the narratives of Abraham and Sarah and the encounter of Jesus with the leper—a journey that illuminates the transformative power of God’s active intervention in our lives.

Weaving the Gospel Reading and First Reading together, we see themes of restoration, divine intervention, covenant relationship, and the role of faith and obedience. Both passages highlight God’s power to bring about healing and blessings in the lives of His people, emphasizing the significance of a faithful relationship with Him. In other words, in the Gospel reading (Matthew 8:1-4), Jesus heals a leper who approaches Him in faith and humility. This act of healing brings about a physical restoration, freeing the leper from his affliction and restoring him to a state of wholeness. Similarly, in the Blessing of Abraham and Sarah in the First Reading (Genesis 17:1,9-10,15-22), God promises them descendants and blesses them with the ability to conceive a child in their old age. This miraculous blessing brings about a restoration of their reproductive health, overcoming the barrenness that had afflicted Sarah. Both instances highlight God’s power to restore health and bring about physical wholeness. In both passages, we witness divine intervention in the lives of individuals. In Matthew 8, Jesus extends His compassionate touch to heal the leper, showcasing His divine authority and ability to bring about transformation. In Genesis 17, God initiates a covenant with Abraham and Sarah, promising them blessings and fulfilling His divine plan through their lives. Both instances emphasize the active involvement of God in the lives of His people, demonstrating His ability to intervene and bring about positive change. Also, the healing in Matthew 8 can be seen as an expression of the covenant relationship between God and His people. By healing the leper, Jesus demonstrates His role as the fulfillment of the covenant and the embodiment of God’s promises. Similarly, the Blessing of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 17 is an expression of God’s covenant with them, promising blessings, descendants, and a special relationship with Him. Both instances highlight the significance of the covenant relationship and the blessings that flow from it. More also, in both passages, faith, and obedience play a crucial role. The leper in Matthew 8 approaches Jesus in faith, acknowledging His authority and ability to heal. This act of faith is met with healing and restoration. Similarly, Abraham and Sarah demonstrate their faith and obedience by accepting God’s covenant and following His instructions. Their willingness to trust and obey God leads to the fulfillment of the blessings promised to them. Both instances illustrate the importance of faith and obedience in experiencing God’s healing and blessings.

Likewise, the Responsorial Psalm, Ps. 127(128):1-5, further emphasizes the blessings that come from living in obedience to God’s commandments. It speaks of the happiness and prosperity that are experienced by those who fear the Lord, walk in His ways, and live according to His statutes. The psalm depicts a vision of the ideal family and community, rooted in the fear of God and the faithful observance of His commands.

Dear friends in Christ, these two stories—Abraham and Sarah’s journey of hope and the leper’s encounter with Jesus—converge on the central truth that God is actively present in our lives, ready to bring about positive change even when circumstances seem dire and hopeless. They invite us to reflect on the power of faith, the surrender to God’s will, and the unfathomable ways in which He weaves His plans in the tapestry of our lives. The encounter between Jesus and the leper teaches us that God’s active intervention extends beyond physical healing. It encompasses the healing of brokenness, the restoration of relationships, and the renewal of our innermost being. Jesus touches us in the depths of our pain and isolation, transforming our wounds into sources of compassion and empathy. His touch brings about cleansing, both physical and spiritual, freeing us from the chains that bind us and restoring us to a life of wholeness.

Above all, as we navigate the storms of life, God weaves a grand narrative of hope, redemption, and restoration. May we open our hearts to His active intervention, allowing His transformative touch to permeate every aspect of our being. May our lives become testimonies of His power to bring about positive change, inspiring others to believe in the boundless possibilities that await when we place our trust in the hands of the Divine.