Friends, today we are celebrating the twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C. Most times, we spend much time recounting our woes and disappointments to the extent that we hardly recognize or appreciate the Goodness of God in our lives. This Sunday, our Mother church reminds us of the importance of showing gratitude to God. The readings of today show how God’s mercy is for everyone, how faith is tested in suffering, and how gratitude is an important part of a faithful life. Naaman, the Samaritan leper, and Paul all teach different lessons about trusting in God and recognizing his blessings. Lord, thank you for your mercy and love. Teach us to see your blessings in our lives and to be grateful for all that we receive.
Friends, in today’s first reading, the story of Naaman the leper is a typical example of how we should express our profound gratitude to God. Naaman also teaches us how to show appreciation to those who have been good to us. It is easy to take blessings for granted. People wake up, go to work, eat meals, and live their lives without always thinking about where these gifts come from. Cradle Catholics may attend Mass every week without truly appreciating what it means. The first reading of today reminds everyone to be grateful for what God has done. Living with gratitude changes how people see the world. Instead of focusing on what they lack, they recognize how much they have received and look for ways to share those gifts with others.
The second reading of today from the letter of St. Paul to Timothy reminds us that faith is tested in suffering. Paul speaks about his struggles, but he remains faithful. He knows that suffering for Jesus is not meaningless. Instead, it leads to something greater. He encourages others to stay strong, knowing that Jesus is always faithful. Faith is easy when life is good. But real faith is shown when things are difficult. Naaman had to humble himself and follow a simple command to be healed. The lepers had to walk away in faith before they saw their healing. Like Paul, we can hold on to the promise that faithfulness will lead to something greater.
Friends, in today’s Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but the only one who returns to give thanks is a Samaritan. At that time, Jews and Samaritans did not mix, yet Jesus did not reject him. Instead, he praises the man for his faith. This shows that God’s mercy is not just for a chosen few; it is for anyone who believes and responds with gratitude. People sometimes think they have to earn God’s love, but God’s mercy is freely given. It does not matter where someone comes from or what they have done. All are invited to receive healing and salvation. Jesus also reminds us of the importance of gratitude to God for the favors we have received from Him. Gratitude to God is an expression of our faith in His saving power. Many of us hardly have time to show gratitude to God for what he has done for us. Sometimes, even using the gifts we have received freely to serve him is hard for us. This is because we rationalize too much. Unfortunately, some of us offer to God as if we are investing in a lottery. In other words, “God has to do something for me because I have given something to Him. Or, “I give to God because He gives to me.” Showing gratitude to God is very important in our Christian journey with him. The truth is that there is no amount of money or material thing that would be enough to pay God for his goodness to us. The Lord be with you …may the Almighty God bless you, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. I wish you a blessed Sunday and a fruitful new week ahead of you.
