Walk in my presence

Greetings on this the Friday of the Twelfth Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Gn 17:1, 9-10, 15-22; PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5; Mt 8:1-4
Notes: Walk in my presence and be blameless.

It is common to reflect on the many things revealed from these early texts of Genesis:

1. The genealogy of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
2. The Abrahamic Covenant throughout the ages.
3. The sign of circumcision.
4. Miracle birth promise of Isaac.
5. The promise for Ishmael.
6. Abram becomes Abraham in the promise.
7. Sarai becomes Sarah in the promise.

At its base is the righteousness of Abram (to be in right relation with the Lord, to trust him) as we read earlier this week. In that text Abram was promised an heir and not leave his family and belongings to the steward Eliezer. These things can never overtake the most important purpose of all: Walk in my presence and be blameless.

Even in the Garden of Eden the Lord walked with Adam and Eve. They heard the sound of the LORD God walking about in the garden at the breezy time of the day (Gen 3:8).

Walk in my presence and be blameless. To be blameless is without sin nor defect. This is the promise for all of us. In our gospel reading today the leper brings the question to the surface most directly.

Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.
I will do it. Be made clean.
Jesus directs the now healed man to follow the Covenant of Moses and the Law by presenting the gifts in the temple as prescribed by law. See that you tell no one means Jesus is not yet ready to declare the New Covenant. It is here, not yet announced.

But now it is announced. The Lord wishes to heal us from every defect and sin, natural and supernatural. Because, he wants us to walk with him in the Garden once again blamelessly.

First Reading
When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said: “I am God the Almighty. Walk in my presence and be blameless.”

Responsorial
See how the Lord blesses those who fear him.

Blessed are you who fear the LORD, who walk in his ways! For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork; blessed shall you be, and favored.

Gospel Acclamation
Christ took away our infirmities and bore our diseases.

Gospel
Lord, if you wish, you can make me clean.
I will do it. Be made clean.

Then Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no one, but go show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses prescribed; that will be proof for them.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry