Glory be to Jesus Christ!
Think back to the first time you heard about nakedness in the Bible. Not very far in right? After Adam and Eve ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil they discovered they were naked. Not because they had become more sophisticated, educated or “civilized” from their choice, but because they realized what they had done- they had traded their dignity for a half-truth, and were now exposed.
Nakedness in the Bible is often used to show vulnerability and a lack of dignity. In our reading today from Genesis we see the response of Noah’s sons to his nakedness. When we is “undignified” and vulnerable, his youngest son uses the opportunity to take advantage of it through gossiping about it with his siblings. He exposes his father’s vulnerability. His older brothers, out of love and concern for their father, restore his dignity through covering him.
How do we react when we discover the vulnerability of another? Do we use it as an opportunity to boost ourselves up at their expense? Or do we quietly work to restore their dignity?
Shortly after Adam and Eve realized their nakedness, God Himself made them jackets of animal skin and clothed them. The Prodigal Son, when he returned was wrapped in a robe by his forgiving Father. Let us be strengthened brothers and sisters by this same God who loves us and clothes us with His Image and Likeness!
Glory be to Jesus Christ!
