Homily of the 28th Week in Ordinary Time,
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
2 Kings 5:14-17, 2 Timothy 2:8-13, Luke 17:11-19
Having received healing through the ministry of Elisha, Naaman the Syrian offered gifts to the prophet. But Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none.” Though Naaman urged him to take the gifts, Elisha refused. Then Naaman said, “If not, please let there be given to your servant two mule-loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.”
Likewise, in the Gospel, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus asked, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
The spirit seen in the nine lepers is the same spirit Elisha contended with in Naaman. Elisha rejected Naaman’s gifts because he had not yet confirmed his full submission to the God of Israel. Many today still present gifts on different altars where they seek various favours. Their interest lies more in the solution they receive than in faith in the God who provides it. They only subscribe to what works, believing that the end justifies the means.
However, Elisha’s refusal led Naaman to declare, “Please let there be given to your servant two mule-loads of earth, for from now on your servant will not offer burnt offering or sacrifice to any god but the LORD.” This decision sealed his healing-he renounced all other gods and pledged his faith in the God of Israel. Similarly, the leper who returned to give thanks heard Jesus say, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” He met not just the miracle worker, but the Saviour himself. The other nine only encountered the miracle worker. When new problems arise, they will again seek solutions wherever they can find them, not caring about the source. They look for magic, not faith-driven healing.
True healing comes from staying connected to the source of all healing-Jesus. It is rooted in living faith, not in religious experimentation. “Religious prostitution” may bring temporary relief, but true faith in the one true God brings lasting wholeness.
May we always fix our gaze on the living God and may our faith in him never waver. Amen.
