Daily Divine Word:
March 09, 26 – Monday, 3rd week of Lent: Little Girl - Unnamed, Voiceless yet a Real Hero.
2 Kings 5:1-15, Luke 4:24-30
We all look for help in pain. The pain could be emotional or physical. Jesus encountered people in pain and responded to their painful situations. The first reading narrates the story of Naaman. He was in need of healing, and he was healed in a rather unusual way. Elisha demonstrates the power of YWHW by healing Naaman. God’s power overwhelms Naaman’s leprosy. This healing story reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways but following God can change our life for ever.
Power dynamics are at play: Display of power is evident in person’s status, position and command. Naaman, is the commander of the army of the king of Aram. He was a great warrior and enjoyed King’s favour. He enjoyed social affirmation and admiration. As a commander, he is accustomed to giving orders and having them met immediately. Now, he suffers from leprosy and receives advise from an unlikely person, a slave little girl.
A little captive girl is the Hero: This little girl has no name; she is a captive from Israel, a prisoner of war. The Arameans might have brought her in captivity when they raided Isarel. This unnamed girl is forced to serve as a slave to Naaman’s wife. Naaman though powerful yet cannot heal himself. The Israelite girl is little, has no name, has no identity, no status but she knows who can cure Naaman. She has no voice, and so, she sends the message through her mistress. This little girl risked her life by daring to speak amidst men and what if nothing happens according to her words. This captive girl is the hero of this healing episode. Even in her utter helpless situation, she truly cares for Naaman. She is expressing a selfless compassion to someone who enslaved her. She cares for someone who is better than her. Despite her circumstances, she is truly a hero. Unnamed, voiceless but a real hearo.
God Uses little people: Naaman meets prophet Elisha. Elisha does not meet him but gives instruction. He is reluctant to follow the directions of Elisha to wash seven times in river Jordan. It is the unnamed servants who gently say, ‘my lord, if the prophet had asked you to do something hard, would you not have done it? He washes reluctantly and his skin is restored. God often works through marginalized, powerless and insignificant people.
Obedience brings blessing: The healing power was not in the water, but in Naaman’s obedience to the word of the prophet.
Our Takeaway
1. The slave girl, even in her utter helpless situation, truly cares for Naaman. She speaks up risking her own life. She is expressing a selfless compassion to someone who enslaved her. Despite her circumstances, she is truly a hero. Unnamed, voiceless but a real hearo.
2. God often works through marginalized, powerless and insignificant people.
3. The healing power was not in the water, but in Naaman’s obedience to the word of the prophet.
Wilson SVD
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