(Optional Memorial for the First Holy Martyrs of Rome)
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| “Abraham, Sarah, and the Angel” by Jan Provost, 1520s |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Genesis 17:1, 9-10, 15-22
Commentary on Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22
This selection follows the birth of Ishmael in Chapter 16. In the first 9 verses omitted (see readings and commentary Genesis 17:3-9) Abram’s name is changed to Abraham and God’s promise is made. In this passage, the second half to the Covenant with Abraham is laid out, explaining what Abraham and his descendants are expected to do to honor God. It is here that circumcision becomes a mark of faith.
The selection continues with God renaming Abraham’s wife from Sarai to Sarah, a unique mark of favor and dedication, used to identify individuals who have a special mission from the Father. In Sarah’s case this mission is to bear a son, Isaac, an heir to Abraham. Isaac is to be the living sign of God’s covenant, blessed by him.
CCC: Gn 17:1-2 2571
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
R. (4) See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.
Commentary on Ps 128:1-2, 3, 4-5
Psalm 128 is a song of thanksgiving. It begins here with the typical blessings given to those following and having faith in the Lord. This selection uses the analogy of the family and the blessing it brings to the faithful, using the symbolism of vines and olives, imagery commonly used in sacred scripture.
It also supports the creation of woman and the marriage theme in Genesis 2:18-25. It is the logical extension of the two becoming one flesh and the children flowing from that union.
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Gospel: Matthew 8:1-4
Commentary on Mt 8:1-4
Following the first great discourse from St. Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus has attracted a large crowd. In the following chapters, we see nine miracles. The cure of the leper is the first of these. This action on the part of Jesus is proof of his identity as the Messiah; hence the usual formula “Your faith has cured you” is missing.
The final instruction by Jesus to the cured leper is in accordance with Mosaic Law (see Leviticus 14:2-9) His instruction to tell no one about this was probably to insure that the priest who had to examine him would not reject the cure and the man.
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Reflection:
We contemplate our relationship with God in the establishment of his covenant with Abraham. Before the Savior came to give us the living example of the Father’s love, God selected individuals to demonstrate the Father’s hope and concern for his people. In Genesis he selects Abram, renaming him to Abraham, and his wife Sarai, renamed to Sarah, as his special instruments. He offers a perpetual relationship to them and, in this case, he seals this covenant with a son to be born of Sarah. This was to happen even though she had been barren for her entire life, and had been forced to use her servant, Hagar, as a surrogate.
God promises this special relationship with Abraham and his descendants, and uses the gift of Isaac as a seal set upon the covenant. What he asks of Abraham in this covenant is circumcision, an outward sign of faith and loyalty to God. This sign will later be hotly debated by St. Paul as unnecessary because Christ came and established a new covenant, and this Jewish mark of faith was no longer necessary in light of the Cross.
We note with curiosity a second request made in this exchange between God and Abraham. Even as he blesses Abraham and Sarah with Isaac, he sets aside Abram's son Ishmael whom God also protects. Ishmael of course prospers and is the root of Islam. It appears from the previous chapter that this split between half-brothers, Isaac and Ishmael, is doomed to be one of enmity, and indeed we see this truth in the world today. Without Jesus Christ to bring peace, we see how this constant struggle continues between Muslims and Jews, Christians, and all other faiths. Hebrew Scriptures are apparently insufficient to bring reconciliation. It is the coming of the Messiah that may bring peace to that rift. We pray for that peace daily.
And what of us? How do we see our covenant with the Lord? We too were the children of Abraham. Our roots reach back to that union, blessed by God. But we were also given the great gift of Jesus, the Messiah and healer of wounds. It is his promise that all who come to him might be healed and have peace. Our prayer today is that all who feel the fear of strife between races and religions might understand that we are all called, through Christ, to be God’s adopted children. We pray for peace in the world and peace in our own hearts.
Pax
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