Gn. 17:1, 9-10, 15-22 | Ps. 128:1-5 | Mt. 8:1-4
God tells Abraham that He is changing his name from Abram to Abraham and also changing Sarai’s name to Sarah. Ishmael will be the father to twelve tribes, and Isaac will be the father of many tribes as well. God makes these promises to Abraham. God is asking Abraham to put his faith and trust in Him. This is no small request since Sarah and Abraham are both beyond child-bearing age.
The Gospel contains another story of faith. A leper approaches Jesus and says: “If you wish, you can heal me.” Jesus’ response comes directly from His heart: “I do will it, be made clean.” Can you hear Jesus’ desire for this man and for each of us? Jesus’ desire is that each of us be whole. We need to ask Jesus to heal us from the elements in our lives which prevent us from being whole.
Take time today to reflect on your faith. Does it need to be strengthened? As Jesus to help you. Do you have a need to be cured? Place that request before Jesus and trust His response.