Lenten Reflection Day 21 ~ Friday Third Week of Lent

Opening Prayers:

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, and Confiteor (see Day 1).

Scripture Reading (2 Kings 5:9–14):

“Naaman came with his horses and chariots and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, ‘Go, wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.’ But Naaman was angry… And his servants came near and said to him, ‘My father, if the prophet had commanded you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, when he only said to you, “Wash and be clean”?’ So he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan… and his flesh was restored like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.”

Reflection:

Today’s reading from the Old Testament recounts the healing of Naaman the Syrian, a proud military commander afflicted with leprosy. Though a pagan, Naaman seeks healing from the God of Israel through the prophet Elisha. But when told to wash in the Jordan River, he takes offense at the simplicity of the command. Only after humbling himself does he obey, and is miraculously cleansed.

Naaman’s story is a powerful image of obedient humility, and it parallels the journey each of us must make in Lent. Like Naaman, we often want dramatic solutions or spiritual fireworks to fix our problems. But God usually works through simple, humble means; prayer, sacraments, self-denial, and acts of love. Naaman expected the prophet to wave his hand and call upon God with grandeur. Instead, he was told to wash in an unimpressive river. His pride resisted. Likewise, we might be tempted to undervalue the “ordinary” means of grace. But these are precisely where healing lies.

The Jordan River foreshadows Baptism, which washes away the leprosy of sin. The number seven, symbolizing perfection, reminds us of the sacramental life, especially Confession, which renews the baptismal grace when it has been wounded by sin. Naaman’s healing came through obedience, not self-invention. So too must we follow the “little” instructions God gives us through the Church: fast, forgive, pray, confess, love, endure. These are not grand gestures, but they are powerful in God’s sight.

Note, too, the humility required. Naaman almost walked away from healing because the command seemed too small for a man of his stature. How often do we resist conversion because it demands something simple but difficult, like apologizing, letting go of a grudge, or cutting off a sinful habit? Lent is a time to lower ourselves in the waters of the Jordan, figuratively speaking—to obey God in the hidden, healing ways He asks.

Naaman’s transformation is complete: his skin becomes “like that of a little child.” This is a beautiful spiritual image. When we obey and humble ourselves, we are made new, childlike, innocent again. Lent is a time for spiritual rebirth. Jesus said, “Unless you turn and become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). As we seek healing during Lent, let’s imitate Naaman, let go of pride, obey God’s word, and receive His cleansing grace. Do one “small” thing today with great faith and obedience, perhaps something God has been gently prompting but you’ve resisted: forgiving someone, making time for prayer, fasting more seriously, or making a good confession.

Saintly Insight:

St. Teresa of Avila often emphasized that God’s grace is hidden in the humble and ordinary. She warned against seeking spiritual consolations while ignoring small duties. “Let us not grow weary of making little acts of love, for these enkindle the soul.” Like Naaman, we may look for miracles and miss the miracle in daily obedience.

Closing Prayers:

V: O Lord, hear my prayer.

R: And let my cry come unto Thee.

V: Let us bless the Lord.

R: Thanks be to God.

V: May the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

R: Amen.