28th Sunday in Ordinary Time – C
Perhaps this gospel story resonates with many of us, who have through the years, gone out of our way for someone and not received a simple “thank-you” for our generous act or concern. Jesus seems quite perturbed that only one of the 9 Lepers he cured has returned to say “thanks.” A grateful journey is a journey of faithful discipleship!
Perhaps after a wonderful evening at someone’s home for dinner or a night out with friends or the use of someone’s vacation resort, we have sat and hand written a “thank-you” note or typed in an email and whisked it off through modern technology. Whatever the event or the device, a simple “thank-you” for a favor or a generous gift is not just a common courtesy, but also a way of realizing our gratitude to the person who gave of themselves for us.
No other story captures the humanity of gratitude as Luke’s account of Jesus healing the ten lepers. This story resonates with most of us at one time or other in our lives. This story instantly moves us to ask ourselves if we have realized and shown our gratitude as we journey through life.
The gratitude of the gospel points to “glorifying God” which is actually a commitment of life. Gratitude is an expression of discipleship and a sign of God’s reign. Gratitude on a journey of faith makes for a much more pleasant journey!
These particular readings shift, from parables of decisiveness discipleship to a healing miracle. It is placed in the gospels at a particular point for a reason. Last week we heard the disciples ask Jesus to “increase their faith.” Through a story today, we see how the healing miracle of the lepers helps to increase one’s faith. Without faith in God, the lone leper who did return to say thanks to God would not have recognized his healing. In the face of that healing he saw the need to return and give thanks to God.
Faith is a set of beliefs acted on. A continuation of those beliefs acted on will increase our faith. Think about it, if the man realized his healing and came back to say “thanks,” but will he, in the future, be more or less prone to returning and giving thanks for other gifts in his life?
To give “thanks” to God for favors or gifts received in our lives is a clear and convincing recognition that God has acted in Christ and this leads us to salvation. What would our faith journey be like if there were not moments of gratitude to remind us of God’s goodness to us? When was the last time we actually got down on our knees and “thanked” God for all He has bestowed on us?
All of us, because we are human, are quick to fall on our knees and ask of God, plead with God, demand of God actions that would benefit us in our lives. Yet, how many of us fail to fall on our knees and be grateful for simply getting out the bed this morning or arriving safely at our jobs, or our hunting adventures or shopping trips, or for simply having the supportive friends in our lives? We are human with human imperfections, and so we don’t always remember to return and give thanks.
When we can realize and recognize the gifts of God in our lives and give thanks, then our faith is active and alive! When we can realize and recognize the gifts of God in our lives and give thanks, then we are glorifying God and recognizing His power of good.
A grateful journey is a journey of faithful discipleship! Let us be grateful!!