colorful-scripture-10-06-16

Photo illustration by Phil Younk
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Remember to say ‘thank you’

Based on 2 Kgs 5:14-17, 2 Tm 2:8-13, Lk 17:11-19

Ten cries for help. Ten cures. One thank you.

In this Sunday’s Gospel, as Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem, he enters a village. Ten lepers, standing far away because they have a terrible, contagious sickness called leprosy, call out to him, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”

Seeing them, Jesus says, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”

The law required priests officially check cleansed lepers before allowing them back into the community.

There was no healing touch or word from Jesus, but the lepers believed in Jesus’ healing power. As they obediently went on their way to the priests, they found themselves miraculously cured of leprosy.

One of the men who had been healed, a Samaritan, returns and falls to his knees before Jesus and thanks him. Jesus says, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Jesus was pleased with the man who remembered to say “thank you” but was disappointed with the other nine who did not.

This Sunday’s readings, especially the Gospel, show how much Jesus loves and cares for all people. It also reminds us to say thanks to God for all his gifts – parents and family, our health, all people who help us to learn and grow, and for God’s greatest gift to us, Jesus. The Mass is called “Eucharist” – which means thanksgiving. At Mass we proclaim what Jesus did for us by his life, death and Resurrection.

Every day Jesus shows his love for us in many different ways. Something as simple as a hug from Dad or Mom; the love of grandparents and other relatives; help in times of sickness; the kindness of the crossing guard as you walk to school; the gift of sight as you watch a squirrel scamper across the lawn; the autumn breeze and changing colors of the trees.

Every day we should take time to see Jesus and his love in the world around us. We should celebrate with an attitude of gratitude and say, “Thank you, Jesus.”