Homily: March 24, 2025, Monday of the Third week in Lent (Flesh and Mind - Child )

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 "His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean." 

A child’s flesh and skin are supple, smooth and soft. Don’t we all wish our aged, wrinkled skin is restored to child-like freshness again?

Today’s first reading is a powerful story of healing, restoration and transformation. Leprosy was a terrible disease in ancient times especially since there was no cure, was seen as a curse and was contagious. Thus, more than just physical, it was also a social disease which led to isolation and shame.

Naaman was a great military commander, dignified in his powerful position but leprosy threatened to take away everything he had. He desperately wanted healing. The gifts he brought to Israel clearly showed how much he valued his health and status, and how far he was willing to go to be cured.

Yet, despite his desperation, pride held him back and almost made him lose the miraculous healing he badly needed. He had expected a grand and elaborate healing process, fitting for a man of his status and so felt offended when the prophet’s instructions seemed simplistic and insulting. He wanted healing on his own terms.

It is interesting to note that it was his lowly servants who spoke wisdom and knocked some sense into him. 

Then the miracle took place, “His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child.” He was healed of leprosy and was also restored to a clean and innocent condition, like a child.

God calls us to be childlike - not in weakness, but in trust, humility, and obedience. While we cannot stop or reverse the effects of aging on our body and mental abilities, we can renew and refresh our heart and soul through submission to God, like Naaman did, like an innocent child would.

For the times when we were prideful and stubborn, forgive us Lord.

For the times when we thought we knew better than you, have mercy on us Lord.

For the times when we refused to believe in your simple but quietly powerful ways, shake us and wake us, Lord.

May we be open to God’s healing transformation, becoming again like the flesh, mind and heart of a little child, becoming clean again, inside and out.

Amen.


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