Give Thanks

The Gospel account for this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time begins by telling us about the healing of a group of ten lepers near Samaria. But this time, the Sacred Author does not dwell on the details of the healing, but rather emphasizes the reaction of one of the lepers upon seeing himself cured.

Jesus has asked the lepers to present themselves to the priests to obtain permission to integrate into society. But one of them, of Samaritan origin, upon seeing that he is cured, instead of going to the priests, turns to seek out Jesus. For him, his new life is having a new beginning. From now on, everything will be different. He will be able to live with more dignity and happiness because he no longer has leprosy. And he knows to whom he owes this. Therefore, he needs to meet Jesus.

He returns “glorifying God in a loud voice.” He knows that Jesus’ saving power can only come from God. He will never forget it. From now on he will live giving thanks to God. He will praise him with all his might. Everyone must know that he feels loved by God.

Upon meeting Jesus, he falls at his feet, giving thanks. His companions have continued on their way to meet the priests, but he knows that Jesus is his only Savior. That’s why he is here beside him, giving thanks. In Jesus, he has found the greatest gift from God.

At the end of the story, Jesus takes the floor and asks three questions, expressing his surprise and sadness at what had happened. These questions are not directed at the Samaritan at his feet.

• “Are not all ten cleansed?”: Aren’t all of them healed? Why don’t they recognize what they have received from Jesus? 

• “The other nine, where are they?”: Why aren’t they there? Why do so many Christians go about their lives without almost ever thanking God? Why don’t they feel a special gratitude toward Jesus? Don’t they know him? Doesn’t he mean anything new to them?

“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”: Why is it that some people, though far removed from religious practice, feel true admiration and gratitude toward Jesus, while some Christians feel nothing special for him?

Pope Benedict XVI once told us that a searching agnostic can be closer to God than a routine Christian who is one only by tradition or heritage. A faith that does not generate joy and gratitude in believers is a sick faith.

Let us remember when, as children, our parents would ask us, after receiving a gift, “What do we say?” And we would reply with a smile: “THANK YOU.” Let us be grateful, acknowledging all that we have received for free and being generous without expecting anything in return. Pope Francis once shared that an elderly woman told him that “gratitude is a flower that blooms in noble soil.” He who knows how to be grateful lives out many other values.