The Grateful Samaritan

10 November 2010

Today’s Readings: Ti 3:1-7 / Lk 17:11-19

REFLECTION
On his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. Leprosy is a contagious disease and the victims are isolated from their families and communities. It is viewed as a punishment for the grave sins committed during Jesus time. The ten lepers stood at a distance from Jesus and raised their voice saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” When Jesus saw them, he told them to go and show themselves to a priest; it is prescribed that they should be declared clean by the religious authorities so they can be integrated to the community. They followed the instruction of Jesus with hope and trust that they will be healed; on their way they were cleansed and healed. One of the lepers who was healed was a Samaritan, a foreigner despised by the Jews and regarded as an outcast in the Jewish society, he was the only one among the ten healed who returned to glorify God and give thanks. By his grateful heart he was able to recognize the presence of God in Jesus; he was not only healed but made whole and saved by his faith. Gratitude reflects humility; the Samaritan leper acknowledged his need of God’s mercy and forgiveness. A grateful person is humble, appreciative, generous and good hearted. We cannot live on this earth alone, we need to have the humility to accept that we need the help of one another and appreciate the favors we have received. It can be very difficult for a proud and self-centered person to express gratitude from their hearts. We do not only benefit by being grateful but we also give joy when we acknowledge the kindness of others. Let us live a life of gratitude in thanksgiving for the great love of God for us.

PRAYER
Loving Jesus, with grateful hearts we thank you for the many wonderful things you have given us in this life. We ask you for the grace to live a life of gratitude; increase our faith, hope and love so that everything that we do be an expression of our thanksgiving to you.