Lessons Learned from Naaman
Written by Sr. Doretta D’Albero, ASCJ
In 2 Kings 5 we read the story of Naaman, a military commander who had control of the entire Aramean army. Despite his authority and might, he was completely powerless to leprosy, a disease that could potentially reduce him to nothing. So Naaman organized an expensive caravan and humbled himself to seek healing from an Israelite prophet, Elisha—a desperate measure for a man of his stature.
Naaman showed up on Elisha’s doorstep feeling all-important with a letter from the King and an offering of 750 pounds of silver, 150 pounds of gold, and expensive garments. He was there to convince Elisha that he was worthy of healing—a big shot expecting to buy his way to a cure. Instead, Elisha directed Naaman to perform one simple task: to bathe in the Jordan River.
Naaman felt doubly insulted; not only was he required to do some “work” for the healing, he was asked to go where commoners bathed. But a little servant girl convinced him to do what the prophet requested, and he was instantly healed.
Naaman learned that day that you do not need to buy God’s love and that the “requirements” for healing are few and simple: humility, desire, and openness. Period. Because that’s what mercy is—free, rich, and unearned! Let’s not overthink God’s love. Let’s not doubt the power of Grace. Today, let’s open our eyes to find ourselves surrounded by God’s gratuitous love.