At our Communion Service on Sunday 12 October 2025, Rev’d Daniel George reflected on the story of Naaman in 2 Kings 5:1–15. He started:

“This story is not only about physical healing but about the healing of the soul, about the change that takes place when a heart begins to realise that its hatred and violence, its pride and arrogance, are a sickness. …

“Into this world of violence comes a young Israelite girl, taken captive in war, serving in Naaman’s house. She is Jewish and female, looked down upon by her captors. She has every reason to feel resentment, every right to remain silent. Yet she speaks compassion: ‘If only my lord were with the prophet in Samaria; he would cure him of his leprosy.’

“Her whisper pierces the veil of scorn. Though oppressed, she becomes the educator; she has not been corrupted by her oppressors, and she has remained true to her God. Her small act of faith begins the long road to Naaman’s redemption.”

Later Daniel commented: “Naaman’s story reminds us that the voice of God is often carried by those without power or status, and that peace begins when pride gives way to humility, when hatred gives way to love, and when hearts are open to hear truth.

“This story speaks to our own time. The same sickness that afflicted Naaman, his pride, his anger, his learned hatred, still corrodes our world today. We see it in the violence between nations, in antisemitism, in prejudice, in the persecution of women across the world and the silencing of the powerless. These are the modern forms of leprosy that mark our collective human soul. Healing begins when hatred ends and when we listen again to the quiet truth of compassion. Faith is born when we allow the healing voice to speak and to break the cycles of vengeance and hatred.”

And he ended: So, like the Jewish servant girl, let us speak mercy into hatred, trusting that every small step toward peace builds God’s kingdom. From Naaman’s healing to Christ’s cross, the Bible’s call is clear: God’s mercy knows no borders, and we are all called to work towards peace.

To see how Naaman’s story plays out, and how it relates to our search for peace, you’ll have to read the whole of Daniel’s reflection at this link.

The whole service had a focus on peace, the Sunday marking the start of the Week of Prayer for World Peace.