Reflection on the Scripture Twenty-eight Sunday Gospel C
·
Because lepers were
unclean, they were not allowed either in the Temple or in the Synagogue. They
were ostracized from others, less in contact, they would render others ritually
unclean. For the most part, they lived outside in their own community.
·
Notice their cry: “Have
mercy on us!” They probably had heard of Jesus’ healing ministry. Hearing he was coming through their area,
they hastened to meet and petition for healing.
And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the
priests.”
· Notice he doesn’t touch
them as he had done before. He doesn’t say, “Be healed.” By his command, he was
telling them that if you believe that I have healed you, go to the priests to
confirm it.
· Jesus said this because
only when they have recovered, and fulfilled the Levitical requirements, could
they be reinstated into the life of the people.
· At the moment there was not
change in their condition. They came as lepers and they left as lepers. What
was different was the conviction in their hearts that Jesus had done something.
As they were going they were cleansed.
· This is not the first time
that people left Jesus, believing in his word and latter their faith in Jesus’
word was confirmed. Recall the Centurion who came seeking the health of his
servant, or the woman whose daughter was possessed.
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. He was a Samaritan.
· The first thing to note is
that one of them returned, glorifying God with gratitude and faith in Jesus.
How often we experience God’s mercy and grace but do not respond with
gratitude!
· In fact, should not our
whole day be a prayer of gratitude to God for all his blessings just that day?
Gratitude opens us up to the more that God desires to give us.
· The second thing to note is
that Jesus points out that the one who returned with gratitude was not a
legalistic Jew, but a Samaritan who was to the Jews a scum.
· God shows no partiality,
for all are his sons and daughters, which is how we are to treat others.
Jesus
said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other
nine? Has none but this foreigner returned
to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has
saved you.”
·
The other nine were healed
and were satisfied. One returned thanks and experienced the further grace of
God, salvation.
·
Jesus wants not only to
heal our bodies but to bring the healing grace of salvation for our souls.
·
As you reflect on this
passage, what applications can you make in your life?
·
What is God saying to you?
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