Things to Ponder
I use this page to share messages of an inspirational nature, or simply something to ponder. It is my hope that you will always be inspired.
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TODAY'S GOSPEL READING:
Luke 17:11-19 - 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
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Introduction: Faith Found in Unlikely Places
This Sunday’s Gospel is unique to Luke for this evangelist once again highlights the faith of the social outcasts and marginalized over that of the established and socially accepted insiders – as vividly described several weeks ago in Luke’s account of the Good Samaritan. However, in this Gospel, the outcasts are lepers.
Luke’s Gospel opens with Jesus continuing his journey to Jerusalem (his final destiny) – but cutting through Samaria rather than taking the preferred route through the Jordan Valley. Most Jews chose not to step foot into Samaria – for there was a deep animosity between Galilean Jews (insiders) and the Samaritans (outsiders). Jesus deliberately chose to identify with the Samaritans.
Who is “inside” and “outside” your daily life?
As Jesus entered a village, he was met by 10 lepers. They “stood at a distance from him” for lepers were seen as “unclean” and were not allowed close proximity with others – including their families and friends! Because of their dreaded disease, they were literally outcasts – condemned to live their lives on the fringes of society. Calling Jesus from a safe distance, they cried out: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
In response, Jesus simply told them to go and show themselves to the priests. And, “as they were going, they were cleansed.” Presumably, they continued on their way to see the priests who would give them an official declaration of being “clean” so they could once again return to life in society.
Have you ever experienced the Sacrament of Reconciliation as a return to the faith community?
Surprisingly, only one leper returned to give thanks to Jesus for his unexpected healing: a Samaritan! Jesus is stunned. “Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks?”
Luke closes this Gospel with Jesus’ words that echo an affirming and hopeful resurrection theme. “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Jesus often used these words with those he healed to signify their “resurrection” now and their entry into new life – a life of wholeness (holiness).
Can you identify a time when you experienced a new lease on life? Reflect on how you felt.
I would invite you to take time to read and ponder the words from the Gospel of Luke 17: 11-19.
What word or words caught you attention? What in this passage comforted/challenged/surprised you?
Further Questions and Reflections:
The lepers in the Gospel cried out for healing. To whom do you turn in times of pain and suffering?
As you pray with this reading, how is God calling you to break down barriers and to work to heal fractures in our families, communities, Church?
Deacon David
Deacon David Suley
St. Andrew Apostle Catholic Church
Silver Spring, Maryland
Published with Permission
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ORDER:
PIERRE'S CHOICE
SEVEN LETTERS TO HEAVEN
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