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.

Monday, March 8, 2021

 Monday of the Third Week of Lent

 (II Kings 5:1-15; Luke 4:24-30)

 The matriarch of an aristocratic British family utters a telling quip when she hears that her son has converted to Catholicism.  “You mean,” she says, “that he will go to church with the help.”  At the time most people went to church on Sunday.  In England the aristocracy went to the Anglican church and their Irish servants to the Catholic church.  If one is careful not to allow this story lead to triumphalism, it gives an insight into today’s first reading.

The cure of Naaman, the army general, shows how poor servants often have a much livelier faith than their rich overlords.  An Israeli girl servant tells her mistress to solicit help from God’s prophet in Israel.  In contrast, the king of Israel is lost when asked to relieve the Aramean general’s skin disease.  Later the general’s servants express implicit faith in God when they tell him not to fuss but obey the prophet’s simple directive. 

Today’s gospel, however, shows that even simple people can be wrong about God.  The inhabitants of Nazareth reject Jesus’ prophesizing on the grounds that they know him to be like them.  Many today likewise see Jesus simply as a gifted human while rejecting the claim that he is the Son of God.  Rich or poor, having a doctorate or a high school education, we are wise to accept Jesus as our Lord.  Following his directives, our sins are cleansed.  Trusting in his promises, we follow the way to eternal life.