Sometimes it’s hard to believe that the answers to our problems are simple. Other times, we can’t fathom that the people we know, including family members, can help us work things out. Today’s first reading and gospel are great food for thought regarding how we think and respond to challenges in our lives.
We’ve just heard that Naaman was seeking a cure for leprosy and went to his king, who sent him to the king of Israel. This is despite the young girl’s advice to seek healing from the prophet of Samaria.
What caught my attention was the reaction of the king of Israel. He was suspicious and outraged. Instead of charitably redirecting Naaman to the prophet Elisha, he explodes. How often do people come to us with their problems, things out of our control or ability, and how do we react? It most likely depends on the week, day, or even hour. But God provides even when we fail each other. The prophet Elisha hears of the king’s reaction and offers to help Naaman.
But by now, Naaman has been through a lot. He’s moved through the upper echelon of kings, brought an official letter, traveled a distance with silver and gold, and faced the anger of the king to whom he was sent.
Perhaps, like us, Naaman believed that his problem could only be solved through complex treatments over a long period in an impressive setting. And, so it’s understandable that he was incredulous when he simply received a message from the prophet to go and wash seven times in the Jordan River. I have to admit; I would have wanted to see and hear the prophet ask God for my healing while moving his hand over the diseased area—for nothing else had worked.
Fortunately, Naaman had good people with him, perhaps like people in our lives who reasoned with him to follow the simple advice: “Wash and be clean.” In essence, that’s what God is directing each one of us to do this Lent. And, too often, we overcomplicate or search far and wide for solutions.
We underestimate the power of God’s grace and the people he puts in our lives, just like Naaman and the people to whom Jesus addressed in the Nazareth. And we also discount the grace and gifts that God gives to us to help others too.
Now, don’t get me wrong, when we have a medical problem, sometimes we need to go to an expert physician. But, often, when it comes to the matters of the soul, the answers are as close as our ability to pray, go to Mass, and yes, to the healing sacrament of Confession. And, to help us find our way, God also gives us people, people we know, people in our families who urge us toward God, just like the young girl and Naaman’s servants. May we listen and trust in God’s grace to heal us just like Naaman came to believe!
May God bless you and your families this holy day!
