A reading from the holy Gospel according to Luke
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.
These words from today’s Gospel reading stand out as a beautiful example of gratitude. The ten lepers first cried out to Jesus as he entered a village: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” They reached out for Jesus’ help, and he answered their prayers immediately. But only one, realizing he had been healed, returned to Jesus to thank him and glorify God. Jesus asks him about the other nine who did not return and ultimately says to him: “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Father in heaven, thank you for a new day. Thank you for the example of the healed leper who returned to Jesus to give thanks. I want to comprehend that all I have is your gift; my whole being is your gift. How do I remember that, even when things don’t go as I think they should go, or when suffering or hardship seems to diminish the gift your your presence?
Lord, give me the grace to be grateful for your blessings. Let me be a means of peace today on this day of thanksgiving. Stay at the table with me as we share our blessings together. I ask you, Lord, to trust in your mercy so that I too can be merciful. Thanks be to God!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
