2 Kings 5:1-15 / Luke 4:24-30
No one likes to hear unpleasant things be said, especially when it is directed at them.
And it is difficult to ignore those unpleasant and cutting words that make demands or point out faults, especially when they are directed at us.
We will certainly be affected by it, and we will also react and even react immediately.
In the 1st reading, when the king of Israel was presented with the letter from the king by Aram, he immediately flew into a rage and accused the king of Aram for picking a quarrel with him.
But the Word of God from the prophet Elisha calmed down the king, and so Naaman was sent to the Elisha.
In the gospel, it was Jesus who pointed out to the people what the problem was.
The people had rejected prophet after prophet because they spoke the Word of God.
The Word of God called them to repentance but they still turned away from God and did what was displeasing to Him.
As it was with the prophets of the past, so it was with Jesus, and the people rejected Him and even wanted to kill Him.
When we hear words that irritate and upset us, let us take a moment before we react.
Could it be the Word of God that is pointing out to us something that we have been avoiding, or hiding or denying.
Whatever it is, let us bring it to prayer, and may we listen to the truth and see what God is showing us.