Monday of the Third Week of Lent - March 8, 2021

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2 Kings 5:1-15 Luke 4:24-30

“America”. Objectively, what does that word mean to us? For me, it brings to mind the stars and stripes of the fl ag. It conjures up ‘hot words’: democracy, freedom, liberty, the pursuit of happiness. It makes me think of the people that I read about in our nation’s history: George Washington, Alexander Hamilton, Dr. King, Harriet Tubman. This word “America” reminds me of the pride I have in a country that, against all odds, blazed a trail of democracy that has led to a thriving society of autonomy, growth and prosperity. Wow! That is a powerful, esteemed and respected word!

Now, subjectively: “America”. How do we feel about the things that define America? To me the word “America”, subjectively, brings to mind division, unrest, ignorance, and extremism. It calls to mind the public figures in our country that are villains and that are villainized. It’s consumerism of technology, media, and materials. Wow. Those are powerful feelings of weakness, negativity, and disrespect!

In today’s Gospel, Naaman was described as a highly esteemed and respected leader that brought victory through the LORD. He was symbol of valiance, courage, and strength. Objectively, Naaman was a great man and a leader of many. However, Naaman was a leper. Due to his current condition, he was seen subjectively as unclean, contagious, and sinful. This condition currently defined him. Naaman, wanted to rid himself of his condition, much like America does. So Namaan, went to Elisha asking to be cured and thinking it would be easy. What God teaches us in this story is that to be cured of these subjective characteristics we need to be humble; humble enough to look inward and find vulnerability to trust in our faith on the path to righteousness. Like Namaan who swallowed his pride and went to the Jordan, America and it’s patriots need to be humble and look inward in the coming months and years in order to be healed and cured. Healing is for the humble. God bless America!

Q: What sickness do I see in my country, my community and myself? What wounds need to be healed in each?


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