October 12, 2025

28^thSunday in Ordinary Time (C)  

Gratitude: A Case of One in Ten

Msgr. Thomas Gervasio

 
Lepers appear in the today’s readings. In biblical times, leprosy was a dreaded, socially devastating condition, considered a curse from God for sin. In addition to their physical suffering, lepers lived under a sentence of exclusion. They were physically disfigured, socially isolated, and spiritually cut off. They had to keep a distance from others and make their presence known by crying out, “Unclean!”
 
But when the ten lepers in the Gospel saw Jesus, they shouted, not “Unclean” but “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Our Lord’s response was curious. He did not heal them then and there. He did not touch them or even approach them. He tested their obedience telling them to present themselves to the priests. Mosaic Law required that lepers obtain a certificate from the priests verifying their cure so they could be restored to community life.
 
The lepers obeyed just as Naaman obeyed when Elisha told him to go wash in the Jordan seven times. The ten lepers set out and were cured along the way. Obedience to the Lord was the key to their healing. Yet, something was missing. Only one, was to return to thank the Lord. Only one recognized the source of his blessing.
 
Why didn’t the other nine return? Perhaps they were caught up in the whirlwind of their happiness in being embraced by family and friends. Perhaps they did not return because they may have considered the healing as a right and not as a gift—feeling entitled to the cure after so much suffering. Whatever the case, their healing was incomplete because they missed the opportunity to move from healing to salvation.
 
Only one doesn’t miss it, only one recognized the Giver of the gift. He is not just grateful for the healing but for the healer. And he, as St. Luke points out, is the least person we would expect to return to Jesus, because he was a Samaritan.
 
Centuries of hostility and theological divisions kept Jews and Samaritans apart. Jews considered Samaritans heretics! In fact, the worst thing a Jew could say to someone is “You are a Samaritan.”
 
The others got what they wanted from Jesus, but only the Samaritan was saved. He was the only one to hear from Jesus: “Your faith has saved you.”
 
The Gospel illustrates the blessing that comes from obedience but also the duty to be grateful.
 
During a retreat years ago, I met an elderly Benedictine monk.
 
During our conversation, he mentioned that he was ordained on Pentecost Sunday. I said, “What a beautiful day to be ordained!” He said, “Oh yes, and for me it was a double joy since it was my daughter’s birthday!” He then went on to tell me that he had been a successful attorney, a married man and had four children and grandchildren. I asked, “Were your children surprised that you became both a priest and a monk?” He said, “No! I think they were relieved because they didn’t like that I was dating after my wife died! My life has been so blessed, I could sing one long hymn of thanksgiving.” Could we say the same?
 
Heavenly Father, How often I’ve neglected to thank you for so many blessings. I tend to focus on my burdens more than my blessings. I've take so much for granted. My prayers can be perfunctory, done by rote and mindless. Place a sincere gratitude into my heart like that of the Samaritan who returned to you. May I always echo the words of Our Lady, “He who is mighty has done great things for me.”