Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent

• First Reading – 2 Kings 5:1-15ab: Naaman, commander of the Aramean army, suffered from leprosy and was advised by a servant girl to seek the help of the prophet in Samaria. After receiving a letter from the king of Aram, the king of Israel directed Naaman to Elisha, who instructed him to wash in the Jordan River seven times. Initially angry, Naaman’s servants convinced him to follow Elisha’s instructions, and he was cured of his leprosy, acknowledging that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.
• Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 42: My soul thirsts for the living God, longing to be in His presence. Guided by His light, I aspire to reach His holy place, to offer praise and find my deepest joy.
• Gospel – Luke 4:24-30: Jesus declares that no prophet is accepted in his hometown and gives examples from the time of Elijah and Elisha. The people in the synagogue become angry and try to harm Jesus, but he passes through them and leaves.

Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.

Luke 4:24

On Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, the readings focus on healing, faith, and God’s work beyond expectations. They show how God’s blessings are for everyone and call us to trust Him fully.

• Healing through faith: Naaman is healed when he obeys the prophet’s instructions. His story reminds us that faith and humility open the way for God’s blessings.
• God works unexpectedly: Naaman expected something grand, but God healed him through a simple act. This teaches us not to limit how we think God can act in our lives.
• God’s mercy for all: Jesus reminds His listeners that God showed mercy to outsiders like Naaman. This shows that God’s blessings are not limited to one group of people.
• Obedience brings blessings: Naaman’s healing came when he followed God’s directions through Elisha. This shows the importance of trusting and obeying God even when it is hard.
• God’s word challenges us: The people in the Gospel rejected Jesus because His words made them uncomfortable. This shows how God’s truth can confront us and call us to change.
• Faith over pride: Naaman had to set aside his pride to accept healing. This reminds us that humility is necessary to receive God’s help.

The readings on Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to trust and obey God, no matter how He works. They also remind us to see God’s blessings as gifts meant for all people.

The readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent invite us to reflect on God’s ways and our response to His call. Through Naaman’s story and the words of Jesus, we see how humility, trust, and openness to truth are necessary for receiving God’s blessings. These reflections help us apply these lessons to our own lives.

God Works in Simple Ways

In the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Naaman expected something dramatic to heal his leprosy. Instead, he was told to wash in the Jordan River, a simple and humble act. At first, he was upset, thinking such a simple task was beneath him. When he finally obeyed, he was healed. This shows that God often works through ordinary means to bring about His blessings.

In our lives, we may also expect grand signs or extraordinary answers to our prayers. Like Naaman, we might feel disappointed when God’s ways seem too simple or ordinary. But God often works quietly and unexpectedly, asking us to trust Him even when we don’t fully understand.

This story reminds us to let go of our own expectations and allow God to work as He chooses. The blessings may come in ways we least expect. Humility and trust open the door to receive what God wants to give.

The Challenge of Truth

In the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Jesus speaks to His hometown crowd, and His words upset them. They did not want to hear that God’s blessings had been given to outsiders, like Naaman. Instead of accepting the truth, they let their pride and anger close their hearts to Jesus’ message.

Sometimes, God’s truth challenges us too. It may ask us to change our perspective or let go of things that hold us back. Like the crowd, we might resist when the truth feels uncomfortable or goes against our expectations.

This Gospel shows the danger of rejecting God’s call to change. Lent is a time to reflect on how we respond to the truth. Do we listen with open hearts, or do we let pride get in the way?

God’s Blessings Are for All

Both the first reading and the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent highlight that God’s blessings are not limited to certain people. Naaman, a foreigner, received healing when he obeyed God’s instructions. In the Gospel, Jesus points out how God’s mercy has been shown to outsiders in the past. This angers His listeners, who thought they deserved special treatment.

God’s blessings reach beyond boundaries we might place on them. He does not show favoritism but extends His mercy to everyone. Sometimes, this challenges our sense of fairness or makes us uncomfortable. But it also reminds us of God’s great generosity.

We are called to rejoice when others receive God’s blessings, just as much as when we receive them ourselves. Lent is a time to let go of jealousy or pride and embrace the truth that God’s love is for all people. This helps us see the world as He does, with open hearts and generous spirits.

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As we meditate on the lessons of Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, let us consider how God may be calling us to deeper trust and humility. May we open our hearts to His truth and share His blessings with others.

Prayer

Lord, help us to trust in Your ways, even when they seem small or unexpected. Teach us to listen to Your truth with open hearts and let go of pride. May we always rejoice in Your blessings for all people. Amen.

Reflection Questions

• How do you respond when God’s ways seem simple or ordinary?
• What makes it hard to accept uncomfortable truths in your life?
• How can you grow in humility and trust during Lent?
• Do you rejoice when others receive blessings, or do you feel jealous or entitled?

Word on Fire: We Are All Prophets

In this reflection for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent, Bishop Robert Barron emphasizes that all baptized individuals are called to holiness and share in Christ’s roles as priest, prophet, and king, contrary to the belief that prophecy is reserved for clergy.

Vatican II highlights this universal vocation, urging lay people to recognize their prophetic duty to speak God’s truth, not just their own insights. This role is integral to daily actions and spiritual guidance, underscoring the importance of embracing our baptismal call to actively participate in God’s mission.

What date is Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The next date is Monday March 24, 2025.

What are the Mass readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The Mass readings for Monday March 24, 2025 are:
First Reading – 2 Kings 5:1-15ab: Naaman’s Healing
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 42: Longing for God
Gospel – Luke 4:24-30: Jesus Is Rejected in His Hometown

What is the main lesson of Naaman’s healing in the first reading for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

Naaman’s healing shows the importance of humility and obedience. Even when God’s instructions seem small, they lead to great blessings when followed.

Why did Naaman hesitate to follow Elisha’s instructions?

Naaman expected something more dramatic. This shows how pride and our own expectations can keep us from trusting God.

How does Naaman’s story apply to us?

Naaman’s story teaches us to trust God’s ways, even when they seem simple or unexpected. It reminds us to be humble and open to God’s plan.

Why is obedience important in the first reading?

Naaman’s healing came through obeying Elisha’s directions. This shows that following God’s instructions, even when they are hard, leads to blessings.

What does Jesus mean when He mentions the miracles of the prophets?

Jesus is teaching that God’s blessings are for all people, not just one group. He challenges His listeners to see beyond their narrow view of God’s mercy.

Why were the people angry with Jesus in the Gospel for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent?

The people were upset because Jesus spoke of blessings for outsiders. This challenged their pride and their sense of entitlement.

What does the Gospel tell us about faith?

The Gospel shows that faith means accepting God’s truth, even when it challenges us. It also calls us to trust God’s mercy for others.

What does the Gospel say about pride?

The people’s pride stopped them from accepting Jesus’ message. Pride can close us off from God’s blessings and truth.

How can we apply these readings for Monday of the 3rd Week of Lent during Lent?

We can use these readings to reflect on our need for humility and trust in God. They remind us to open our hearts to His work, even in unexpected ways.

What do these readings teach about God’s mercy?

The readings show that God’s mercy is for everyone. We are called to rejoice when others receive His blessings.