Monday, March 21, 2022

Monday of the Third Week of Lent

 (II Kings 5:1-15; Luke 4:24-30)

Ten years ago former presidential candidate Mitch Romney called Russia America’s greatest military threat.  Political opponents dismissed him as out of touch with the times. Now with Putin’s invasion of Ukraine his words are considered prophetic.  The readings today show two other prophets whose words were rejected until they proved to be true.

A prophet’s task is to present the truth, especially when it is difficult to discern.  The Holy Spirit has inspired religious prophets to present the truth on behalf of God’s people.  Elisha presents the truth to Naaman that all his horses and chariots, all his gold and garments will not regain his health.  To achieve that Naaman must do as he, God’s prophet, tells him.  Similarly the people of Nazareth should look to Jesus not for benefits that he may bring but for truth he tells.  They must heed his words because he is God’s ultimate prophet.

Jesus as well as the Old Testament prophets present two critical truths.  First and foremost, they relate God’s love for us – more than a mother cares for her child.  Secondly, prophets warn us that we must respond to God with love.  We love God because he is the best there is.  We love others because they are our sisters and brothers – children of our common heavenly Father.


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