The Humility to Be Healed: A Lenten Reflection on Naaman and Jesus’ Challenge
The Humility to Be Healed: A Lenten Reflection on Naaman and Jesus’ Challenge
In today’s readings for Monday of the Third Week of Lent, we encounter two powerful moments where healing and grace come—but not without resistance. Naaman, a highly respected commander of the army of Aram, suffers from leprosy. Despite his worldly power, his healing depends on a prophet’s humble instruction: “Go and wash seven times in the Jordan.”
At first, Naaman is outraged. How could something so simple—and in his eyes, undignified—be the answer? But with the gentle persuasion of his servants, he surrenders his pride. He obeys the prophet’s word and is made clean. Not just physically, but spiritually too: “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.”
This moment echoes in the Gospel from Luke, where Jesus reminds His hometown crowd that God’s miracles are often extended to outsiders—like Naaman the Syrian or the widow of Zarephath. Rather than rejoice in this expansive view of God’s mercy, the people are enraged. How dare He suggest God’s blessings could reach beyond them?
Pride blinds us to grace. Humility opens us to healing.
This Lent, we are asked: What are we clinging to that keeps us from simply obeying God’s Word? Are we expecting our healing or breakthrough to come through grand gestures, while ignoring the quiet invitation to wash in the “Jordan” of our daily lives—small sacrifices, prayer, repentance, acts of mercy?
Let Naaman’s story remind us: God’s power often moves in unexpected, even uncomfortable ways. And Jesus’ challenge in the synagogue reminds us that grace is not confined to our expectations or borders—it reaches the humble, the open, the ready.
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Did You Pray Today?
Daily prayer is a powerful way to strengthen your faith, find peace, and invite God’s presence into your life. Even a few moments of prayer can bring clarity, comfort, and spiritual renewal. Whether you are starting your day, taking a break, or preparing for sleep, these short yet meaningful prayers help you stay connected to God.
Take a moment now to pray:
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
The Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us;
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
The Hail Mary
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
A Daily Habit of Prayer: These prayers take less than a minute, yet they bring us closer to God each day. Keep prayer at the center of your life and experience His love and guidance.
Walking in Faith, Growing in Grace
Every day is an opportunity to draw closer to God. In prayer, in scripture, and in the moments of stillness, He speaks to our hearts. Faith is not just about knowing—it’s about living, trusting, and walking in His light.
Through life’s joys and challenges, we are called to remain steadfast, to seek Him in all things, and to reflect His love in our words and actions. Even the smallest acts of faith— a whispered prayer, a kind word, a moment of gratitude— bring us deeper into His presence.
May this space be a source of encouragement, reflection, and renewal for you. Wherever you are on your journey, know that God is with you. Keep the faith, stay rooted in prayer, and continue seeking His truth.