May the Lord give you grace and peace to be compassionate in the Holy Spirit. It is 13th March 2023.
We reflect on 2Kings 5:1-15; and Luke 4:24-30.
Are we uncomfortable with the message or the messenger?
Rejection from family and friends languishes us in an emotional prison.
The story of Naaman is a gentle reminder for all of us who are still struggling with this pandemic that God heals no matter what the sickness is. Our prejudice and pride interfere with our blessings and healing. Healing did not come from the prophet nor from the muddy water of the river Jordan but by humble submission and acknowledging God. Naaman’s immersion into the river reminds us of Easter baptism and its integral healing effect on us. “‘Bathe, and you will become clean’.” (2 Kg.5:13).
Naaman expected something extraordinary words and action for his healing and so he failed to see God’s hand in the ordinary bathing in the river. God reveals Himself in a simple way. Healing gets delayed when we fail to listen to the Word of God. Naaman did not consider the words of the prophet as God’s Word.
We might be uncomfortable due to a familiar person’s disturbing message and end up rejecting both the prophet and the prophecy.
The responsorial Psalm praises, “My soul is thirsting for the living God. When shall I see him face to face?” (Ps.42:2).
Jesus gets rejected by the people from his own town. Jesus pointed out to the people that they lacked faith in Him even when the non-believers had faith in the prophets like Elijah and Elisha. When we have a tunnel vision of God, we do not see the horizon of hope. Healing for the people of Nazareth was delayed due to their attitude of believing in the Words of Jesus. When we get used to God and Jesus, we may take their power and interventions for granted. Jesus said, “Truly I tell you; no prophet is accepted in the prophet’s hometown.” (Lk.4:24).
Do we believe that Jesus can heal us?
May you have a lovely day. God bless you.