HOMILY OF 28TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C
HOMILY OF 28TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME: YEAR C
HOMILY THEME: GOD’S MIRACLES DON’T NEED TO BE DRAMATIC OR EXTRAORDINARY. IT ONLY REQUIRES OBEDIENCE AND FAITH
BY: Fr. Aladi Ugochukwu
Kings 5:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19
Naaman was a powerful Syrian general, respected but afflicted with leprosy. A captured Israelite servant girl suggested that the prophet Elisha in Israel could heal him. With his king’s blessing and gifts, Naaman traveled to Israel. Elisha did not meet him personally but sent a message: Naaman should wash seven times in the Jordan River to be healed. At first, Naaman was reluctant and angry, feeling insulted both by Elisha’s refusal to meet him and the seeming simplicity of the treatment. He thought the rivers in Syria were better than the Jordan and expected a dramatic gesture or incantation from the prophet.
ALSO RECOMMENDED: HOMILY OF 28TH SUNDAY OF THE ORDINARY TIME
His servants gently persuaded him to try, arguing that it was a simple request. Naaman obeyed, dipped himself in the Jordan seven times, and was completely healed—his skin became like a child’s. He returned to Elisha, declaring that Israel’s God was the only true God, and offered generous gifts of gratitude.
Why Was Naaman Reluctant?
Pride: He expected an impressive, ceremonial healing, not a simple command from a distance.
Cultural Expectations: He assumed healing required payment and dramatic action.
Reluctance to Obey: The Jordan River seemed unimpressive compared to the other rivers in Syria. His healing required humility and obedience, not status.
Elisha refused to accept an offer to teach that God’s grace and healing cannot be bought or earned—they are freely given. Accepting would have made it seem like Elisha (not God) was the healer, or like Naaman could pay for God’s favor. This taught Naaman and everyone that God’s gifts are grace, not transactions.
Let’s learn to do the right thing in our service to God and humanity.
Peace and blessings
FOR A SIMILAR HOMILY, CLICK HERE>>>>
Dear friends in Christ, Your support for the past 12years has kept us going. We ask you to support us with your donations to enable us to upset our “annual bills”. Our priests are willing to offer Holy Masses for your Private Intentions. May you Click on “Next”, or the “Donate” button to get started. God bless you!!!
