First Reading - 2 Kings 5:1-15
Gospel - Luke 4:24-30
In the first reading, we encounter the story of Naaman, a foreign military commander afflicted with leprosy. Despite his initial reluctance, he obeys the prophet Elisha’s instruction to bathe in the Jordan River and is miraculously healed. What is striking about Naaman’s journey is how his faith grows gradually. He listens to the Jewish slave girl who points him to the prophet, then follows the advice of his servant when he hesitates. His openness to learning and willingness to trust leads him not only to physical healing but also to a profound faith in the God of Israel.
The Gospel, in contrast, presents a scene of rejection. Jesus, in his hometown of Nazareth, is met with disbelief. His people, who have known him since childhood, cannot accept that he is the Messiah. Their familiarity with him becomes a barrier to faith. Jesus highlights how, in history, God's blessings often reached those outside Israel—such as the widow in Zarephath and Naaman the Syrian—because they were open to God’s word, unlike many in Israel. This message angers his audience, showing how rejection is often the cost of truth and faithfulness to God’s mission.
Dear friends, faith is not merely about believing—it is about trusting, growing, and acting. Like Naaman, we must be open to learning, even from unexpected sources, and allow our faith to mature. We must also recognize that following Jesus will not always be easy. The rejection he faced reminds us that faith may bring opposition, misunderstanding, or even suffering. But Jesus shows us how to respond—with courage, persistence, and a deep commitment to our mission.
As disciples of Christ, we are called not only to hold on to our faith but also to live it out in service to others. Jesus made it clear that his mission was for the oppressed, the poor, and the marginalized. If we truly follow him, our faith must lead us to stand with those who are rejected and forgotten.
Let us also be mindful that God speaks to us in many ways—through Scripture, through people around us, and through the events of our lives. Are we open like Naaman, ready to listen and grow? Or do we close our hearts like the people of Nazareth, letting our biases and doubts prevent us from encountering God?
May we ask God for the grace to deepen our faith, to be courageous in the face of challenges, and to be instruments of His love and justice in the world.
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