I'm about to leave for Mass shortly, so I thought it would be useful to take a look at today's readings. [I'm the lector.] I have to say I do not read the Old Testament in my personal life with as much frequency as I read the New Testament. I noted the story in 2 Kings 5 today, about Naaman being cured of leprosy. I was curious about "the refused gifts" aspect of the story and decided it a good idea to look at the whole story in context.
It's always fun to try and guess why certain bits of the story are left out. I expect "the powers that be" decided perhaps it wasn't particularly useful to mention that Elisha nailed his servant Gehazi (and Gehazi's descendants!) with leprosy for going after Naaman asking for some of the gifts he'd offered. Like Elisha's not going to notice Gehazi has suddenly acquired a couple of new festal garments or the fact that his servant has the latest Playstation.
Bad idea to mess around with a prophet!
Update: Msgr. gave the context of the 1st reading. Bless his heart. Great sermon too tying the gratitude aspects of the 1st reading with the gospel. Father also said that we should be grateful for our faith, parents, country, "GOOD" politicians, those in our armed forces, teachers, doctors too - but most of all the Holy Spirit. [I notice he was careful to stress the word "good" in the phrase "good politicians" - thereby cutting the bad ones from the herd.]
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4 comments:
Hi Karen,
Thanks for your kind remembrance on mine.
I have my own business and sometimes drown in it! ;-)
Px
PS (and on topic, now) my favourite OT homily, was entitled, "Moab is my washpot"! Go figure!
Never actually saw a can of "whoop ass" before.....
Was that what I gave my gum chewers? Probably not.
Thanks Karen!!
Hugs
Ebeth
Ebeth, if "They" actually made the stuff people would buy a lot, and hand it out appropriately! Personally, I think you gave them a 6 pack of WA in the most appropriate way. Succinct, with humor and just the right touch of sarcasm. You go, girl!
Philip: Okay, just don't run off to Tahiti, or get snatched away by gypsies or something. ;-D And "Moab is my washpot!" Roll tape! I can guarantee you I never heard a sermon where Moab was a focal point.
Father Ubel talked about Namaan too and said probably similar things, that Namaan was grateful and we need to continue to nurture our faith. I actually got to hear some of the homily because my son sat *relatively* still and hubby had already taken my daughter out :)
I think feistiness is a prerequisite of being a prophet. Totally reminds me of Padre Pio. Not a fellow I would care to mess with.
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