The first reading is a reading from the second book of kings.

Namen, the army commander of the king of Aramam, was highly esteemed and respected by his master.

For through him the Lord had brought victory to Abram.

But valiant as he was, the man was a leper.

Now the Armenians had captured in a raid on the land of Israel,

a little girl who became the servant of Naiman's wife. If only my master would present himself

to the prophet in Samaria, she said to her mistress, he would cure him of his leprosy.

Naaman went and told his lord just as the slave girl from the land of Israel had said,

Go, said the king of Abram.

I will send along a letter to the king of Israel.

So Naaman set out, taking along ten silver talents, six thousand gold pieces and ten festal

garments.

To the king of Israel, he brought letter which read, With this letter I am sending my servant Naiman to you

that you may cure him of his leprosy.

When he read the letter, the king of Israel tore his garments and exclaimed,

Am I a God with power over life and death that this man should send someone to me to be cured of leprosy?

Take note, you can see he is only looking for a quarrel with me.

When Alicia, the man of God, heard that the king of Israel had torn his garments,

he sent word to the king.

Why have you torn your garments? Let him come to me and find out that there is a prophet in Israel.

Neiman came with his horses and chariots and stopped at the door of Alicia's house.

The prophet sent him the message.

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