HOMILY OF 3RD MONDAY IN LENT — YEAR A
HOMILY THEME: THE ETERNAL WORD OF GOD
BY: Fr Francis Onwunali
2 Kings 5:1-15; Psalm 41(42); Luke 4:24-30
As we continue our Lenten journey on this first working day of the third week, we are being challenged by the Word of God to confront the sin of indifference and unbelief.
In the first reading (2 Kgs. 5: 1-15), we are presented with the account of the cleansing of Naaman, the Syrian army commander, who suffered from leprosy. He was cleansed only because he listened to his servants, who urged him to do what Prophet Elisha instructed after he had initially rejected going to bath seven times in river Jordan.
In the gospel (Luke 4: 24-30), Jesus alludes to this repentant heart of Naaman while confronting the indifference of His own people towards Him, the Eternal Word of God. Is your ego blocking your personal encounter with the Person of Jesus? Watch it!
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Dear friends, in today’s first reading and Gospel passage, the word of prophecy was rejected, as it was met with anger and pride. Both Naaman and the people of Nazareth were right on the brink of being transformed and healed. However, being close wasn’t sufficient. The pride and anger of the people of Nazareth prevented them from receiving a great blessing from the Lord. If not for his humble servants, Naaman likewise would have walked away from a miracle when he was on the verge of receiving what he had been seeking. In the same vein, you may be right on the brink of receiving the healing or blessings you have been longing for. Will you allow your pride, indifference to the power and presence of God, to deprive you of your blessings?
I pray that as we journey in life today, we will ask for a humble and docile heart and not appeal to our pride and defensive ego. Can you overlook your wounded pride and reach out to make amends? May we learn to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry” (Jas. 1: 19). May our humble submission to God’s will open for us the door of blessings. Have a humility-full day!
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