Table of the Word
First Reading: 2 Kings 5:1–15
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 42:2–3; 43:3–4 (R. 42:3)
Verse before the Gospel: cf. Psalm 130:5,7
Gospel: Luke 4:24–30
Theme: Faith in Little Things
Reflection
According to James Hudson Taylor: “Little things are little things, but faithfulness in little things makes them great.”
Most often, what we consider little according to human calculations is great in the sight of God. Biblically, the image of children is often used to teach us lessons about humility. Why children? They are often considered ignorant or naïve. Yet God deliberately uses this image to teach us that what the world considers insignificant or worthless can be transformed by Him into an instrument of glory.
Among such examples are the stories of David, Joseph, Elizabeth who was barren, and many other related events in Scripture.
In another place, Scripture also reaffirms that God chooses the weak of the world to shame the strong, and the foolish to shame the wise (cf. 1 Cor. 1:27).
In today’s Liturgy of the Word, we see an element of pride in Naaman when the 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.” (cf. 2 Kgs. 5:1–15)
Here we see a lack of faith born out of pride. His disregard for the prophet’s instruction may have been the result of his position, prestige, or expectations. Yet Scripture exhorts us: “Whoever is faithful in very little is faithful also in much.” (Lk. 16:10)
For Naaman, his expectations betrayed him, because he believed the prophet needed to perform a series of dramatic rites before his healing could occur.
However, this is one of the major problems in our spiritual lives. We often expect our blessings to come like thunder before 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 shall live by faith.” (Hab. 2:4).
Similarly, St. Paul, addressing the Church in Corinth, says:
“For we walk by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7).
Beloved in Christ, it is only when we begin to look at every event through the eyes of faith that we realize that great things often happen through gentle and simple means. We must allow the Spirit to speak to us in moments of difficulty through prayer and meditation. By doing so, we will overcome every doubt that may engulf us.
Peace be with you!
Prayer
May your right hand, we ask, O Lord, protect those who make their entreaty to you. Graciously purify us and instruct us, so that, finding solace in this life, we may attain the good things to come. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Thought for Today
“To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary; to one without faith, no explanation is possible.”
— St. Thomas Aquinas
Lenten Commitment
Today try as much as you can and put a smile on someone's face either with words of consolation or with active clarity.
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