Scripture Study for

The story about Naaman focuses on healing, gratitude, conversion, and worship. His cure was clearly miraculous; all he had to do was submit himself to the ritual that Elisha prescribed. This cure champions monotheism and universalism.  Naaman may have needed a miracle to recognize the universal power of the God of Israel, but recognize it he did! Something else makes this story exceptional.  Though there were many people suffering from leprosy in Israel, God chose to heal a foreigner. This divine act demonstrates God’s love and concern for all,  Israelite and non-Israelite alike. 

Paul writes from prison, making his appeal to Timothy even more poignant. He exhorts his disciple to remember what is at the heart of the gospel that Paul has preached. The kind of remembering of which he speaks is a way of witnessing to the authenticity of what is remembered. In this case, it points to a twofold truth:  Jesus Christ is raised from the dead and he is a descendant of David. The agony and indignity that Paul bears in his imprisonment are seen by him as a share in the “birth pangs of the messiah,” that necessary suffering that will precede the birth of the reign of God. 

The Gospel narrative echoes the story recounted in the first reading. It is the story of a foreigner who suffered the pain and indignities of leprosy, was cured by the power of God, and returned to give thanks. He, along with his companions,  had recognized Jesus earlier and had hoped for a cure. They all believed that  Jesus had the power to heal them and they all went off to show themselves to the priests. What made this man unique was his gratitude. Furthermore, it was a Samaritan, one who was despised by the Jews, who showed gratitude to the Jewish wonder-worker. Jesus made this point quite clearly. Once again the last (a Samaritan) will be first (held up as an example).