Monday Of The Third Week Of Lent

2 Kings 5:1-15
Resp. Psalm :41(42):2-3,42:3-4
Gospel: Luke 4: 24-30

Esteemed beloved in Christ,

The adage “the rich also cry” resonates with the understanding that wealth, power, and success do not confer immunity from suffering. In the context of our first reading, we find ourselves in Ancient Israel, nearly a millennium before the advent of Christ, during a tumultuous period marked by conflict with Aram (modern-day Syria). This national strife led to significant adversity for Israel, as Syrian forces systematically invaded, resulting in raids and the forced enslavement of many Israelites.

Central to this historical narrative is Naaman, a prominent figure—strong, affluent, and celebrated as a conqueror and national hero. He operated within the highest echelons of society, even in the company of royalty. However, the indiscriminate nature of leprosy serves as a poignant reminder that disease respects no social hierarchy. Much like modern parallels to severe afflictions, leprosy deconstructs any illusions of invulnerability, afflicting even those deemed powerful.

A critical turning point arises from the perspective of a young Israelite girl, captured and serving in Naaman’s household. In a moment of profound insight, she suggests to Naaman’s wife that he seek out the prophet in Samaria for a cure to his leprosy. This illustrates a remarkable inversion of agency: despite her status as a victim of abduction and servitude, she embodies hope and empowerment. She refrains from bitterness, instead becoming an unwitting catalyst for Naaman’s transformation when he heeds her advice.

Naaman’s journey underscores a vital lesson about reliance. Though he possesses great gifts, he discovers that these should be appreciated rather than conflated with true security. His condition propels him toward Elisha, through whom he gains a broader understanding of divine sovereignty—an embodiment of God’s universality that transcends national or ethnic boundaries.

In the life of Jesus, we witness a similar outpouring of divine love, yet His manifestation is often overlooked by those within His own tradition. As Richard Rohr astutely observes, faith necessitates a continuous reevaluation of our perceptions, allowing us to embrace divergent views. Naaman exemplifies this transformative faith, leading ultimately to his healing.

I pose the following inquiries for our reflection: Who do you identify with in this narrative? Are you Naaman, engaged in a quest for healing and struggling to distance yourself from ego-centric desires? Or do you resonate more with the small girl, who, despite societal oppression, transcends hatred to extend an invitation for healing? Perhaps you find yourself in the role of a ruler, consumed by political complexities and losing sight of your foundational purpose to serve the community. Alternatively, are you Elisha, charged with calling others back to their inherent worth? Or are you a humble servant, advocating for awareness of God in the mundane realities of life?

Our obligation extends beyond personal edification; we are called to disseminate the Gospel. Christ primarily directed His message to His own people, who failed to perceive its profundity in apparent simplicity. Seeking the extraordinary risks leading to disillusionment, as the true essence of Christ’s message lies in its deep yet unadorned nature. We must continuously ask ourselves how we perceive God in everyday events, what hinders our awareness of His presence, and how we can act as witnesses to His influence in the lives of others.

We are all participants in this ongoing divine narrative. May we cultivate the discernment to recognize God in the subtle aspects of our existence. Let us not overlook the significance of His Word or the messengers whom He sends. May we be enriched with the gifts of the Holy Spirit—wisdom, understanding, faith, hope, and love—that empower us to perceive His presence in the ordinary. Amen. Wishing you all a productive and grace-filled week ahead.

Fr Joseph Osho