A reading from the Holy Gospel according to Luke 17:11-19
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
Encountering Christ
This Gospel passage resonates deeply with me as a deacon, particularly in my service to those in need within our parish and in our community. Yesterday, I accompanied Bishop Albert Bahhuth to Lancaster State Prison to serve a Thanksgiving Mass for 35 inmates, also present was their Chaplain (Dn. Bernal and a deacon candidate in his 2nd year of formation. After Mass, the men shared how appropriate this Gospel was to them because they knew exactly how it feels to be an outcast, to be marginalized, to not be wanted. After Communion, each man expressed what he was thankful for, even though they are serving time – they found gratitude in their hearts and expressed it openly.
In our daily lives, we often witness the blessings and miracles God bestows upon us, yet how often do we return to give thanks? The ten lepers represent humanity in its suffering and need for God’s mercy. Their physical affliction made them outcasts, yet Jesus’ healing brought restoration not just to their bodies but to their place in society.
The one leper who returned to give thanks represents a heart truly transformed by grace. His gratitude was an act of faith, acknowledging Jesus not just as a healer but as the source of all blessings. This gratitude deepened his relationship with Jesus, moving beyond physical healing to a profound spiritual renewal.
Action of the Day
1. Gratitude in Prayer
Make “thanksgiving” a regular part of your prayer life. Mass is “Eucharist” which means Thanksgiving! Begin and end each day by recounting the blessings you’ve received, both big and small. This practice not only honors God but also cultivates a heart of humility and awareness of His constant presence in our lives.
2. Acknowledging Others
Just as the Samaritan returned to Jesus, make an effort to thank those who have positively impacted your life. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or coworker, expressing gratitude can strengthen relationships and reflect the love of Christ.
3. Service to the Marginalized
Reflecting on Jesus’ compassion for the lepers, we are called to serve those who are marginalized in our communities. Volunteer at shelters, support ministries that aid the poor and the sick, and be a beacon of hope for those who feel like outcasts.
4. Faith in Action
The leper’s return to Jesus was a demonstration of his faith. Our faith, too, should lead us to action. Whether it’s participating in parish ministries, engaging in acts of charity, or simply living out our daily vocations with integrity and love, let our actions testify to our faith in Christ.
5. Reflection and Confession
Regularly reflect on moments where we may have taken God’s blessings for granted. The Sacrament of Reconciliation is a powerful way to seek forgiveness and renew our commitment to live gratefully.
As we contemplate this scripture, let us remember that true gratitude is more than a fleeting emotion—it is a transformative grace that draws us closer to God and compels us to live out our faith with renewed vigor and love. Let our lives be a testament to the healing and saving power of Jesus Christ, always returning to give thanks and glorify God.
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