Encouragement

While looking at tomorrow’s readings most of us see two distinct themes:
One is the universal offer of salvation by God, represented in Naaman being healed and found in Jesus' teaching. Another is the rejection of Jesus by people in the synagogue at Nazareth. In fact most of the daily readings of Lent, from now through Holy Saturday, will remind us again and again of the rejection of Jesus.

But little girl and some servants introduce us to a third inspiration found in the readings: encouraging those who are seeking out the Lord. The little girl, captured on a raid on the land of Israel, speaks plainly about what the master can do to be cured. It is not clear if Naaman has faith or just desperation but he receives the message told to his mistress and acts on it. Later, when Naaman becomes angry and leaves, it is his slaves who encourage him to comply with God's plan.

In the ordinary activities of life, one's thoughtful words can encourage an act of faith and faith-filled action on someone else's part. There are roles people play through the church that are opportunities to do the same, such as taking seriously the role of sponsor for Baptism or Confirmation. If we take the time to really learn what we believe and why we believe it, we can be like the little girl and speak nicely but plainly about faith and faith-filled action, giving encouragement to those who approach us to go forward, or like the slaves of Naaman, lifting up the fading spirits.