Naaman's Leprosy and Seven time to dip in Jordan

Gospel Thoughts*

*Lent : Third Week: Monday*

*GOSPEL - Lk 4:24-30*

*First Reading - 2 Kgs 5:1-15ab*

*Naaman's Leprosy and Seven time to dip in Jordan*

*1) Naaman's Leprosy*

Naaman was an army Commander who was suffering from leprosy

Because of his leprosy he was suffering a lot and was finding difficulty in doing his duty

So he wanted to get rid of his leprosy, and he found an remedy through the slave girl to approach the prophet

*2) Seven times to dip in the river Jordan*

As he approached the prophet Elisha for the cure, he was giving this instruction

*Go and wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will heal, and you will be clean.*

Initially Naaman refused to do according to the instructions of Elisha and later he followed it and instantly he was made well

*3) Why seven times?*

Washing of the seven times in the river Jordan may have deeper meaning to our life 

Seven times washing could be identified with Seven capital sins. Each times when he washed he was made well from each sin 

The capital sins are the following *pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth*

So seven times when he washed himself he was healed of the leprosy of these things 

*4) 7 Capital sins and leprosy*

No only Naaman, but all of us are lepers in one way or the other 

The 7 Capital sins make us like lepers. Leper is the one in whom we see some kind deformity or disfigured body 

Like wise these 7 Deadly sin disfigure not only our body but also our soul 

So all those who are affected by these sins suffer like the lepers. Do we need to be careful 

*5) 7 times washing in the river God's mercy*

All of us who are suffering from the leprosy of these 7 deadly sins need healing 

The healing comes when we are ready to wash ourselves in the river *God's Mercy*

The moment we wash in this river we are cleansed and we become pure. But the question is *are we ready to wash ourselves?*

*6) Various ways to washing ourselves*

The sacrament of reconciliation

Prayer, fasting and Almsgiving 

Forgiving, loving and serving others 

Reading of the scriptures and personal prayers 

*7) Lent is a time to wash 7 times in the river God's mercy*

Like Naaman all of us are given instructions during this Lenten season to wash ourselves in the river God's Mercy 

In fact lent is a best time to do this exercise 

Am I ready? Think about that 

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim Dsouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*