Carrying the cross
In today’s first reading, we hear about Naaman, an army commander in Aram, who suffers from leprosy. Naaman is encouraged to go to the king in Samaria, who is said to be able to cure him. When Naaman presents himself, the king misunderstands the situation and erupts saying, “Am I a god with power over life and death that [the king of Aram] should send someone to me to be cured of leprosy?”
Elisha the prophet steps into this tense situation to assist. When Elisha tells Naaman to “wash seven times in the Jordan, and your flesh will be healed,” Naaman loses his temper and storms off. Ultimately, at the insistence of his servants, Naaman begrudgingly does what Elisha said, and he is cured.
I empathize with Naaman. Have you ever had a client lose their temper with you, or been on the receiving end of an angry phone call? I know I have. Many people carrying heavy burdens are looking for assistance. When they are told to go to a local parish or a Catholic Charities agency for help, there is a sliver of hope. But what happens when they discover that there are not enough resources, or no one is available to assist? Their hope is extinguished and they lash out in exasperation – an understandable human response to frustration.
Today’s Gospel reading describes how Jesus responded to frustration. He doesn’t seem surprised when people are angry with him, and he’s rejected in Nazareth. Citing both Elijah and Elisha, he states, “Amen, I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own native place.”
Prophets are oftentimes misunderstood, and misunderstandings can lead to confusion and frustration. Despite the people of Nazareth wanting to throw him off a cliff, Jesus doesn’t seem phased at all! He leaves Nazareth and continues to be prophetic with his words and actions all over the region.
We know that Jesus is God, who does in fact have power over life and death. But that life comes at a cost: death on a cross. We are each promised eternal life, but we need to die to self daily, take up our own cross, and follow Him. In a special way, social action ministers are called to emulate Jesus’ prophetic work by speaking up for and ministering to the marginalized and vulnerable in our communities. Helping others to carry their cross, while carrying our own, is challenging yet sacred work and one which I am grateful to do.
Catherine Zirngibl is the Program Coordinator for the National Association of Catholic Social Action and Mission (formerly the Roundtable Association of Catholic Diocesan Social Action Directors). She also serves on the Catholic Charities Parish Social Ministry Leadership Team and works as Pastoral Associate at Lumen Christi Parish in Mequon, WI.