Our first reading today is from 2 Kings 5. It is a story about a man named Naaman. Naaman was not a child of Israel. He was a commander in the army of Aram. He was a Syrian. In the Gospel reading today from Luke 4, Jesus recalls to the people that Naaman, a foreigner, was the only man of his time to have faith to be healed of his affliction.
Naaman was an important man. He was also a leper. One of his wife’s servants was a young Israelite girl. She told them of a prophet in Samaria who could cure Naaman’s leprosy. Naaman goes to Samaria and is told by Elisha that to be cured he must “wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.” Naaman was furious, and wondered why he couldn’t just wash in the waters of his homeland. Were not they better than all the waters of Israel? After some cajoling and convincing, Naaman does what Elisha prescribed, and he was cleansed.
Naaman thought the prophet's instructions were ridiculous. I'm sure many today look at Catholicism the same way. What do you mean I have to go to Mass every week?! Ridiculous! I can worship when and where and how I want! And those Ten Commandments? Ridiculous! God will forgive me no matter what. Who needs all those ridiculous rules, anyway? Look at Naaman. He did the ridiculous, and he was healed. So may we be.
Father, help us to put aside our attitude and live according to your ways. Amen.
Want to learn what all those "ridiculous" beliefs are about? Get the A Minute in the Church book set today at www.GusLloyd.com.
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