MONDAY OF THE THIRD WEEK OF LENT
The Word: “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.” (see2 Kings 5:1-15)
Mystery of the day: Joyful
Table of the Word: I R.:2 Kings 5:1-15
Resp. Psalm: Psalm 42:2.3; 43:3.4 (R. 42:3)
Verse before the Gospel: see Psalm 130:5.7
Gospel: Luke 4:24-30
Theme: Faith in little things.
Inspiration:According to James Hudson Taylor“Little things are little things but faithfulness in it makes it great.”Most often what we consider to be little following human calculations are great in the sight of God. Biblically, the image of children are used in teaching us lessons on humility. Why using children? Whom we consider to be ignorant and naïve. But God chooses this image for a purpose to teach us that, what the world consider to be filthy and worthless, He can transform it into an object of glory. Among such is the story of David, Joseph, Elizabeth who was barren, and the rest of other related events. In another place, the scripture also reaffirmed that God chooses the weak of the world to shame the strong and thoughtless to shame the intelligent (cf. I Cor. 1:27).
In today’s liturgy of the Word, we can see some elements of pride in Naaman, when Prophet Elisha sent a message to him. In anger Naaman replied: “Behold, I thought that he would surely come out to me, and stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.” (see2 Kgs. 5:1-15). Here, out of pride, we can see lack of faith in him. His disregard to the instruction of the prophet, maybe as a result of his position or expectation. This act is what the scripture exhorts: “Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.”(Lk.16:10). For Naaman, his expectation betrayed him, as he felt that the prophet has to perform series of rites for his healing.
However, this is one of the major problems facing our spiritual lives. We often tend to expect our blessings to come in the form of a thunder, until we believe that we are serving a mighty God. Abraham believed in God despite the uncertainties of his journey that is why the book of Habakkuk says: “The righteous live by their faith.” (Hab.2:4). And St. Paul while addressing the Church in Corinth says: “For we walk by faith,not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7).
Beloved in Christ, until when we look at every event in the eyes of faith, it is there and then that we would come to the realization that mighty things happen with a gentle breeze. We ought to allow the spirit to speak to us, in moment of difficulties through prayer and meditation. In doing this, we will overcome every doubt that may engulf us. Peace be with you!
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary,. To one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
- St. Thomas Aquinas
Let us pray
May your right hand, we ask, O Lord, protect us that make entreaty to you: graciously purify us and give us instruction, that finding solace in this life, we may reach the good things to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen
© ARCHIVE 24032025
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