Reflections

The first reading for this Sunday offers us the story of Naaman, the Syrian commander afflicted by leprosy. Obedient to Elisha’s instructions, he plunges into the Jordan seven times and is healed, his flesh becoming “like the flesh of a little child.” Then he returns with his whole retinue and says, "Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel.” In that moment, Naaman confesses the one true God with bold conviction and a heart of conversion. He recognizes and turns from all other gods, even those he once served loyally, and professes the Lord as God alone. What a powerful example of one who was foreign, outside of the covenant, but now declares faith in the God of Israel.

That scene resonates with our psalm as it says, “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power; He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.” The Lord does not remain hidden. He reaches beyond Israel, making known His salvation to all nations. He remembers His mercy, His covenant fidelity, and through that memory, He draws in hearts like Naaman’s, hearts that were once far away.

In our second reading, St. Paul writes, “Remember Jesus Christ… for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains. But the Word of God is not chained.” I think that verse is worth repeating: “But the Word of God is not chained.” The Word of God is living, active, free, unbound by human constraints, prison walls, or persecution. St. Paul continues, “Therefore I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation… together with eternal glory.” His words echo for us our Dominican heritage, “for the glory of God and the salvation of souls.”

These readings provide for us an opportunity to reflect and ponder, asking ourselves, “How willing are we to bear crosses, endure hardships, for the sake of those God loves? Are we ready to let the Word work through us, unhindered by fear or timidity?” The Word is not chained; if we open our hearts, God can speak through us, both by His Word, as well as the witness of our faithful and living witness of His Word.

Finally, in the Gospel we hear of ten lepers healed by Jesus, but only one (a Samaritan) returns to give thanks, glorifying God and falling at Jesus’ feet. “Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Jesus asks. The grateful leper’s faith is exalted: “Your faith has saved you.”

Like Naaman, the outsider leper recognizes the God who heals, praises Him, and returns with gratitude. Their conversion is not passive but active - an embracing of God, a public profession, thanksgiving, and mission.

May we ask the Lord to grant us hearts that confess Him boldly; receiving His Word and allowing Him to bear fruit through the faithfulness of our lived witness and communion in the Holy Trinity. May we never chain the Gospel by timidity or complacency; offering all our sufferings, prayers, and hidden life for the souls He knows need us most, so that they too may accept the gift of His salvation and live with Him forever in eternal glory.

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