Naaman was famous, for he was the commander of the victorious army of Aram (2 Kgs 5:1). Naaman was rich, for he easily gave away "ten silver talents, six thousand gold pieces, and ten festal garments" (2 Kgs 5:5). Naaman was politically important, for he had access to the king of Aram and through him to the king of Israel (2 Kgs 5:4ff). However, Naaman was not healed from leprosy because he was famous, rich, and important. He was healed because he listened to a message from a little slave girl (2 Kgs 5:3) and from other slaves (2 Kgs 5:13). When Naaman humbled himself before his slaves and the prophet Elisha, he was exalted (Mt 23:12) and healed.
After Elisha refused to receive any gifts from Naaman in thanksgiving for his healing, Elisha's slave, Gehazi, ran after Naaman (2 Kgs 5:20). Gehazi lied to Naaman by saying Elisha had changed his mind and would accept some gifts (2 Kgs 5:22). Elisha knew of Gehazi's deception and declared: " ‘The leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.' And Gehazi left Elisha, a leper white as snow" (2 Kgs 5:27).
When a master humbles himself and becomes like a slave, he is healed. When a slave exalts himself and acts like a master, he is humbled.
"Be slaves of Christ the Lord" (Col 3:24).
| PRAYER: | "I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me" according to Your word, Lord (Lk 1:38). |
| PROMISE: | "As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for You, O God." –Ps 42:2 |
| PRAISE: | St. Casimir, born a prince of Poland, was an ascetic, sleeping on the floor and wearing plain clothes. He is now the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College