Jesus referred to the biblical story of Naaman, the Syrian army commander, as an illustration of the fact that prophets are not accepted among their own people, and that is why they are sent to "strangers" to show God's power at work. His listeners didn't want to hear this message and were very angry with Him. People today, including devoted and committed Christians and very spiritual people, continue to show the same kind of behaviour and reactions, bordering on racism, elitism or at least group-selfishness. Even in the story of Naaman itself there are the same attitudes: suspicion, hostility to the 'outsider', self-righteousness, feelings of superiority.

Naaman himself was offended at Elisha's simple and easy instruction to go and bathe in the nearby Jordan, the river of life, Israel's river, but an unimpressive trickle compared with the great rivers of Syria. In his indignation Naaman almost missed being cured. Happily, he had good advisers who persuaded him to be humble and do the simple thing Elisha told him to do. Only then was he cured and able to acknowledge the Lord God. May the very true-to-life story of Naaman, and Jesus' reflection on it, help us to recognise our own self-centred and silly attitudes, and rise above them in a generous acceptance of other people including those who carry God's word and healing.