Good morning.
The Gospel reading for today is the story of the ten Lepers.
In the time of Jesus up to almost the present, leprosy was a dreaded affliction that caused a person to be forced out of his or her society to live a life alone or with others so afflicted.
Our Gospel story revolves around ten such persons afflicted with this disease. The story tells us that these come to Jesus and beg Him that they be cured. He does and tells them to go to show themselves to the priests that they may undergo a ritual of cleansing and so be admitted back into society.
As the story tells us, of the ten only one, a Samaritan, returns to give thanks. Jesus makes the comment, “Jesus says, ‘Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?’
Giving thanks, an act of gratitude is something that we sometimes take for granted. The computer professor and educator, Randy Pausch tells us today, “Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things human can do for each other.
It does not take much to say “thanks” to another. It is a simple recognition of a kindness shown us by another. Yet, how many times have we gone through our day, wrapped up in our own little world?
St. Treasa of Calcutta says that just a simple “thank you” and a smile, can make all the difference to another’s life. To some it may be the only time in that day that someone recognizes them as another and have meaning. It may not mean much to us, but it can mean the world to the other.
Have a blessed and safe Sunday.
Peace and All Good,
Fr. Vinnie, fcm and the
Bros and Srs of the
Franciscan House of Prayer.
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