Gospel Reflection for: November 13, 2024
Daily Gospel Reading: Luke 17:11-19 NRSVCE
In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus heals ten men with a terrible skin disease called leprosy. It’s a miracle! But only one of them comes back to say “thank you.” And guess what? He’s a Samaritan, someone who was considered an outsider and even an enemy by many Jews. This story isn’t just about good manners; it’s about the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God and how it opens the door to even greater blessings.
1. Asking for Help
The ten lepers cry out to Jesus for mercy. They’re desperate for healing, and they’re not afraid to ask for it. It’s a reminder that we don’t have to pretend to be strong or have it all together when we come to God. He wants us to be honest about our needs and to ask for His help.
- We all have those moments when we feel broken, lost, or overwhelmed. Maybe it’s a health issue, a financial struggle, a broken relationship, or a deep sense of loneliness. This story encourages us to cry out to Jesus, just like the lepers did. He’s ready to listen and to offer his healing touch.
2. Taking that First Step
Jesus tells the lepers to go show themselves to the priests. It was a test of their obedience, and they passed! They didn’t question or hesitate; they simply did what Jesus told them to do. And as they went, they were healed!
- Sometimes, God asks us to do things that don’t make sense or that seem inconvenient. This story reminds us that obedience is key. When we trust God and follow his instructions, even when we don’t understand, we open ourselves up to his blessings and miracles.
3. The Power of Thank You
Only one of the ten lepers returned to thank Jesus. It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of receiving a blessing and forget to express our gratitude. But this Samaritan man shows us the importance of taking the time to say “thank you” to God.
- Think about a time when someone went out of their way to help you, and you forgot to thank them. It probably left them feeling unappreciated, didn’t it? In the same way, expressing our gratitude to God honors Him and deepens our relationship with Him.
4. Gratitude Opens Doors
Jesus tells the Samaritan man, “Your faith has made you well.” It wasn’t just the physical healing; it was the man’s gratitude that demonstrated his faith and opened the door to a deeper connection with Jesus.
- Gratitude isn’t just about good manners; it’s an attitude of the heart. When we’re grateful for God’s blessings, it changes our perspective, softens our hearts, and makes us more receptive to His grace.
A Prayer of Thanksgiving:
God, thank you for your constant love and your endless mercies. Help us to be people who not only ask for your help but also take the time to express our gratitude for all you do. May our lives be filled with thanksgiving and praise for your goodness. Amen.
Remember: Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a choice. It’s a decision to focus on the good, to acknowledge God’s blessings, and to express our thanks to Him. When we cultivate a grateful heart, we open ourselves up to even greater blessings and a deeper relationship with our Creator.
May God bless you as you share His love, and may His love guide you in every step you take.
Amen.