DAILY HOMILIES #widow of Zarephath

Naaman flared up when Elisha told him to bathe seven times in the Jordan. He felt insulted that the prophet did not come out “to stand, and call on the name of the Lord his God, wave his hand over the leprous spot, and cure him” as magicians do. Naaman was angry because the Jordan River wasn’t as clean as the rivers of Damascus. Here is again another bitter truth; what matters is your obedience, not your location. Some people believe they can never make it in this country; their only desire is to travel abroad. As Jesus told us, “Seek first God’s kingdom,” put God first, and obey His commandments. God can bless you anywhere.

When the truth hits us hard, we immediately resist it because it opposes what we are used to; it challenges our pride and sense of security. Like the audience in today’s Gospel passage, we may assume we are being insulted if we don’t reflect on it. Avoid praise singers; they are like that rat that blows air on its victim before feasting on its flesh.