My dear brothers and sisters,
Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ!
Thanks for your prayers as we just concluded our “Study Days” this week. We come together as ministers for spiritual and professional renewal, including presentations of the Called & Gifted Discernment Process Program, diocesan office discussions, prayer and fellowship. Truly, the event renews and encourages us priests, deacons and seminarians to help understand our God given gifts and charisms and to deepen our commitment to forming disciples within our parishes and communities.
We are now on the 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time. Our Gospel (Luke 17:11-19), reflects on the story of ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, with only one returning to give thanks and glorify God. This Monday we celebrate Thanksgiving, as the Gospel reminds us the importance of true gratitude as an act of faith.
Jesus exposes to us in this story of the Gospel our common human tendency to focus on the blessings rather than “the One,” leading us to fail to honor God with thankfulness. The Samaritan, the one who returned was a foreigner, an outsider who had experienced double marginalization. His response shows God’s grace extends to everyone, and the least are often the most perceptive of God’s work. Jesus suggests that receiving the benefits of God’s grace is only the beginning; true salvation involves a transformed life and a change of behaviors centered on gratitude towards God. Jesus said, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17: 19)
AMEN God loves you!
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! ~ Fr. NEIL