Today’s first reading says, “The Lord is a God of justice who knows no favorites.” While we humans show deference to people we admire or give preferential treatment to those we like, God loves all his creatures with the same perfect love. But then the reading goes on to say something that seems to contradict that opening line, even suggesting that God has a soft spot in his heart for the poor: “Though not unduly partial toward the weak, yet he hears the cry of the oppressed.”

GROW: Studying Scripture is not a side dish on the plate of practicing the faith. It is an essential component of the virtuous life, and without it, our faith will surely falter. In his second letter to Timothy, Saint Paul reminds us that the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God and they train us in righteous living and equip us for every good work. There will undoubtedly be times when we feel ill-equipped – when we are fatigued, frustrated, or concerned. It is precisely in these moments that we’re invited to go quickly to the holy Word of God! Read it, pray with it, and invite the Spirit to speak to you through it. There you will find the wisdom needed to face every circumstance.

After his healing in the Jordan river, Naaman returns to Elisha. It’s clear from their ensuing conversation that his miraculous healing had led to him recognizing the God of Israel as the one who had healed him. In thanksgiving, he desires to offer sacrifice, and pledges that he “will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except the Lord.” In the Gospel, we see the Samaritan returning to Jesus after his healing, falling at the Lord’s feet and “glorifying God in a loud voice.” It’s clear from both Scriptures that when we recognize what God has done for us, our first response is to worship.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus tells his disciples: “When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’” I think what Jesus is drawing us to see is the humility we need as his disciples. It’s easy to get puffed up, thinking, “Well, I’ve done this” or “I’ve done that” in service of God. We can even start to feel that God owes us. But we are called to love God for God’s own sake, not for the accolades or even the reward that comes from faithfully serving him.