38. Elisha and the Healing of Naaman (2 Kings 5)

Naaman was a powerful general of the Syrian army, admired by everyone, but he suffered from leprosy. A young Israelite girl who served in his house told him about a prophet in Samaria who could heal him. Naaman traveled with great wealth to see Elisha, expecting a spectacular ritual. But the prophet did not even come out to meet him; he only sent a messenger saying: "Go and wash seven times in the Jordan."

At first, Naaman was indignant at the simplicity of the command and the appearance of the river, but his servants convinced him to obey. When he dipped himself for the seventh time, his skin became clean like that of a child. Naaman returned to Elisha, recognized that there is no other God in all the earth except the one in Israel, and refused all the gifts he wanted to give the prophet, understanding that God's grace is free.

The healing of Naaman prefigures the Sacrament of Baptism, where water, by the power of God's Word, cleanses us from the leprosy of sin. It teaches us that to find God, humility and obedience in simple things are required. God does not need grand spectacles to act, but hearts willing to trust His word, even when the path seems too simple or ordinary.