On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Luke 17:11-19
Only one out of ten returned and thanked Jesus. The incarnate Creator, who walked this earth as we do, healed them all, whether they were grateful or not. The one who did was a Samaritan, an outsider and not considered among the faithful. The others may have been overwhelmed by the shock and newness of disease-free skin and a mended body. We will never know their motivation. Yet we will always remember the one lone Samaritan who came back to be ever so grateful. We often forget that gratitude is a sign of faith, faith deepening as we rejoice in the blessings we have been given, even when we are raw and anxious as we seem to be these days.
Loving Creator, source of all blessings
you have placed us in the midst of bounty
shower us with love and community
so that we can blossom and thrive here.
Our hearts are on the ground and breaking
there is so much sickness and pain here
we feel like nothing good is coming our way
and we are on our own to find new pastures.
Help us to abide in your love by being grateful
let your praise and thanksgiving be on our lips
may our hearts not give rage and anger a home
and instead be vessels of love and gratitude always. Amen.
