Monday of the Third Week

Reflection

In the first reading, it is fascinating how Naaman was used as an instrument of strength for Aram even though he was a leper. The Lord seems to use our weakness and transform that piece of us into a strength. Later in the passage, Naaman becomes angry that Elisha didn’t come out of his house and ask the Lord to descend upon him to heal him, but instead the prophet said "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean." This piece made me laugh in a way. Naaman was expecting to be healed in one manner, so since that answer did not match his expectation, he decided to leave angry and not be healed until his servants convinced him to listen to Elisha. I feel like this happens all too often. We expect God to act in one way, then He acts in a different way to transform us, and we get upset because it did not go according to “our plan.” We cannot know the future. We need to trust that everything will be fine because the Father is at our side. In this case, God came in the form of healing waters, not the laying of hands. Maybe God chose a different manner to heal Naaman than the way in which he expected, to not only heal him from leprosy, but also to change his heart in a radical way. Where have you felt God work? Did you expect that response?

Naaman was mentioned again in the Gospel. He was the only one healed out of all the lepers and driven out by the anger of others. Why do we often act poorly in envy and despise the things we can’t understand? I challenge you when you find yourself becoming jealous of another, give thanks for that person, and be grateful for the gifts that you are given. Who knows, maybe someone envies your gifts?

Prayer

O Holy Father, may we act in trust and compassion as we continue on our journeys through this earthly world. Turn our weakness into strength, transform our hearts, and give us new appreciation for each other. Thank You as always!   Amen.

Nicole Skaluba,’18

Scripture

First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1-15b

Psalm 42:2-3; 43:3-4

Gospel: Luke 4:24-30

Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website