the freedom of slavery
“So Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times at the word of the man of God. His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean.” —2 Kings 5:14
Naaman was famous, for he was the commander of the victorious army of Aram (2 Kgs 5:1). Naaman was rich, for he easily gave away “ten silver talents, six thousand gold pieces, and ten festal garments” (2 Kgs 5:5). Naaman was politically important, for he had access to the king of Aram and through him to the king of Israel (2 Kgs 5:4ff). However, Naaman was not healed from leprosy because he was famous, rich, and important. He was healed because he listened to a message from a little slave girl (2 Kgs 5:3) and from other slaves (2 Kgs 5:13). When Naaman humbled himself before his slaves and the prophet Elisha, he was exalted (Mt 23:12) and healed.
After Elisha refused to receive any gifts from Naaman in thanksgiving for his healing, Elisha’s slave, Gehazi, ran after Naaman (2 Kgs 5:20). Gehazi lied to Naaman by saying Elisha had changed his mind and would accept some gifts (2 Kgs 5:22). Elisha knew of Gehazi’s deception and declared: “ ‘The leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and your descendants forever.’ And Gehazi left Elisha, a leper white as snow” (2 Kgs 5:27).
When a master humbles himself and becomes like a slave, he is healed. When a slave exalts himself and acts like a master, he is humbled.
“Be slaves of Christ the Lord” (Col 3:24).
Prayer: “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me” according to Your word, Lord (Lk 1:38).
Promise: “As the hind longs for the running waters, so my soul longs for You, O God.” —Ps 42:2
Praise: St. Casimir, born a prince of Poland, was an ascetic, sleeping on the floor and wearing plain clothes. He is now the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania.
Reference:
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio June 7, 2023"
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.