Over-familiarity
2KINGS 5:1-15; PSALM 42; LUKE 4:24-30
Over-familiarity is an adversary that targets our spiritual fervor, vitality and output. Over-familiarity makes us apathetic and careless when it comes to important issues. It causes us to be reckless with the connections and chances that would have greatly benefited us. It leaves us with a diminished sense of the importance of things and people.
The gospel reading also noted that when Christ came to his own people they did not accept him. He says to them; “No prophet is ever accepted in his own country”. We tend to value those from outside than those within and around us. Do we reject or accept our prophets?
Oftentimes, we become too familiar with our prophets and treat them with disrespect. A prophet is a divine covering over a people. We must be submissive to them if we want to be beneficiaries of their prayers. ‘Your prophet is your profit’ they say. Familiarity with God’s prophet should lead us into God’s family. Unfortunately, it breeds contempt.
2KINGS 5:1-15 present us with the cure of Naaman by Prohet Elisha. In the first reading, Naaman declares that only in Israel is there a true God. Naaman regarded Elisha, honoured his words and was restored.
Jesus is like Elijah and Elisha, He was not sent only to the Jews but to all peoples. So, just as Naaman was cleansed in Jordan so also we are cleansed by baptism into Christ. Therefore, anyone who is baptized is freed from spiritual leprosy, isolation and damnation. But we cannot receive this grace if with treat Jesus with contempt.
LET US PRAY
May your unfailing compassion, O Lord, cleanse and protect your family and since without you we cannot stand secure, may we be governed by your grace. Grant us the spirit of reverence for your ministers and members. Amen.
Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
