2 Kings 5:1-15 / Luke 4:2-30
The 40 days of Lent was originally a time of preparation for the Elects who are journeying towards Baptism.
It is a time of purification and enlightenment as the Elects scrutinize themselves so that they will discover deeper faults and failings and to turn to the Lord for healing and strength.
When the early Church saw how the Elects were blessed with the grace of God in their preparation for Baptism, the Church decided to use this as a form of renewal for those who are already baptized.
So, it can be said that the baptized learnt from those who were preparing for baptism, how to use the 40 days of Lent to prepare for the renewal of their own baptism at Easter.
In the 1st reading, Naaman went thought an experience of conversion and discovered who God is as he proclaimed: Now I know, that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel.
In the gospel, when Jesus recalled how Naaman, the Syrian, was cured but not the other lepers in Israel, the people were enraged.
It was like saying that the outsiders know about God better than the people of God.
As for ourselves, as we see the Elects preparing for Baptism, let us pray for them as they prepare for Baptism.
And let us also pray for ourselves, that we will also experience purification and enlightenment in preparation for the renewal of our Baptismal promises at Easter.