Monday of the Third Week of Lent
(II Kings 5:1-15b; Luke 4:24-30)
The mayor, perhaps trying to impress the group of ministers
he was addressing, said that he had only four friends. His best friend, he claimed, was his wife of
many years. He named his two children as
other friends. His fourth friend was
Jesus. It is hoped that all Christian leaders
name Jesus as their friend, but they should have given him priority over other
friends.
Jesus is not to be relativized. He is one’s best friend because he is the
best person there is. His advice is not
just to be considered but to be followed.
His townspeople in today’s gospel might like to claim him as their own,
but they are not willing to accept him as a prophet. They want Jesus to entertain them with a
miracle not to obey him as God’s messenger.
Naaman, the Syrian general, likewise does not want to heed the prophet’s
word at first. He wants his whole
attention.
We have Lent to reconsider our priorities. If we have put Jesus in a place other than
first, we are not doing him justice. Heeding
his word will only bring us healing from the leprosy of selfishness. Following him as a trusted friend will bring
us to fullness of life.
