From today’s Scripture: “As they were going, they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, ‘Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?’”—Lk 17:14-17
Today’s reading for Thanksgiving is a story of thanksgiving. Unfortunately, it is only one of the 10 lepers who were healed that returns to thank Jesus for his healing. St. Luke slips in a simple line that modern readers probably skim over but would have been scandalous to first century Jews reading this gospel: the one that returned was a Samaritan. Not only had Jesus reached out and cured the outcasts of society in the lepers, the only one that showed his gratitude was perceived to be the lowest of the low—a leper and a Samaritan. Someone that would not be welcome among Jews even if he was healthy. It is clear in this reading God’s gifts are available to everyone, even the marginalized (i.e. the lepers), but not everyone responds appropriately to these gifts.
Let us pray: Jesus, thank you for all the gifts you bestow on the world. Let me be like the Samaritan leper and return to thank you often.
Today’s author is Mike Schneider, Glenmary’s former Treasurer and Chief Administrator.
Free delivery! Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.
