Family Communion for the Second Sunday after Trinity: celebrant the Revd Tola Badejo.

First reading: 2 Kings 5. 1–14
Gospel: Luke 10. 1–11, 16–20

The Old Testament reading today is one of the most human and compelling stories in the bible. Naaman, the Aramean general, is an enemy of Israel but he seems to be a likeable character; his wife's captive Israelite slave girl is concerned for his welfare, and later in the story his servants risk his anger to tell him he is making a stupid mistake, something that implies respect and affection rather than the opposite. In the end he is not only healed of his leprosy but also converted to belief in the Israelite God. This faith, however, is a consequence of his healing: the faith that brought about his healing is not his own, but that of of the servant girl and Elisha the prophet.

The story of Naaman shows that God offers salvation to all, not just to those of a particular nation, culture or class. The Gospel describes the early disciples' mission within their own community, spreading the message of Christ's salvation beyond their immediate circle; this is perhaps less dramatic than the conversion of an enemy general, but Jesus leaves no doubt that their task will have challenges as well as rewards.