Water of Life!

Naaman the Syrian is a common name in our readings today, II Kings 5:1-15b and
Luke 4:24-30. Naaman had leprosy and he was looking to be healed. In Kings, Naaman went to the man of God, Elisha, who told him to go and bathe in the Jordan River seven times. Naaman was hoping to be healed on the spot by Elisha so when the prophet told him what to do, he was not happy. However, those around Naaman pleaded with him to listen to the words of the prophet. Once he did, Naaman was healed. Jesus reinforces that story in the Gospel from Saint Luke, "There were many lepers in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet; yet not one of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the Syrian." That image of water is important because we heard it over the weekend with the woman at the well. She was also healed by her encounter with Jesus who said that he is the living water. Like Jesus says in
John 13:8, "Unless I wash you, you will have no inheritance with me." The commentary from that passage goes on to say, "Naaman the Syrian doubted but obeyed; the leper of the Gospel believed and asked. The Lord washes clean in the waters of life all who approach the stream of living waters seeking pardon, healing, and peace" (Magnificat, 378). Jesus invites us to come to the living water and drink. Let us accept that invitation and drink of the living water that Jesus provides because it is the water of life. God Bless You!!!