The first reading for today presents us with an interesting story. It tells us about an army commander with leprosy (Naaman; a little girl; and a prophet (Elisha). What can we learn from them?

Despite being in captivity (the Arameans had carried her off from Israel - v 2) and being made a servant, the "little girl" readily told her mistress (Naaman's wife) how Naaman could be cured - he is to "approach the prophet of Samaria" (v 3).

The king of Aram is presented as an understanding and compassionate king (v 5). On the other hand, the king of Israel comes across as impulsive and pessimistic (v 7).

What about the army commander, Naaman? He is decisive in going to Elisha. However, his arrogance pops up when Elisha does not come personally to cure him. That he relented when wisely advised by his aides, shows that he is open to reason, and can back down in humility to do all that is asked of him - to "bathe seven times in the Jordan" (Vv 10, 14). And the most astounding result? Naaman's confession, "Now I know ... that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel" (v 15).

Elisha reassures a fearful king (of Israel) and would not be pressured to meet with a powerful warrior. He sees that his only "job" was to speak the prophetic word from God and let God heal Naaman in God's way.

Today, let us ponder what we have read and taken to heart those characteristics that would help us walk the path of holiness.