Today's first reading is the conclusion of the story of Naaman the Syrian leper. It is important, of course, that Naaman comes before the prophet Elisha and acknowledges the God of Israel as the only God. The full story recounts the steps by which he comes to that act of faith and these steps are as important as the conclusion, as they reveal how God works through ordinary individuals to guide people to faith. Back home in Syria, Naaman could find no cure for his leprosy. A young Israelite girl - a migrant worker! - was a domestic helper in his household. She ventured to suggest that there was a prophet in Israel, who could heal him. This suggestion almost led to an international conflict, but Naaman did make the journey to Israel. There the prophet's simple request to go and wash in the Jordan offended and incensed him.

Once again enlightenment came though his servants, ordinary people with no great store of wisdom, perhaps, but with a great deal of common sense and a sense of God's presence in the prophet. If the prophet had demanded he do something extraordinary, the servants argued, Naaman would have complied, so why not comply with the prophet's simple request? Naaman followed their advice and received healing.