Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Luke 17:11-19                         

Luke 17:11-19

God, through Jesus His Son, has blessed every person living. Some know it. Some are ignorant of it. Interesting word, “ignorant.” It has within it the highlighting of the word “ignore.” To be ignorant is to want to look the other way. The other way from the way things truly are. As far as the knowledge of God existing and being present, well Scripture is clear: that is something we are given innately. So as Paul writes, “they are without excuse.”

So in our gospel, Jesus blesses. He heals ten lepers. Now, I understand this is a narrative. These are real lepers upon whom Jesus sets His tender compassion. But reading this without seeing my own “leprosy” seems somehow to miss a real point. I am needy. I am diseased. But  God has healed me and I have been graced to realize it. Lord, “thousand, thousand thanks are due.” 

Oh Lord, let me always be that one who returns to Your feet in humble gratitude. Amen!