Fr Peter Ireorji, MSP - Homily from Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2018

Lepers were not allowed to live within the city limits and had to live outside. They also had to cry out that they were unclean when anyone approached them. Their cry for mercy would ordinarily have been a cry for alms, but in this case, it was much more. When Jesus saw them, he commanded that they go and show themselves to the priests and as they obeyed, they were made clean Lk 17:11-19. It’s interesting to note that the healing here took place after they obeyed Jesus’ command. One of the ten on realising that he was healed began to praise God and his action of falling prostrate at Jesus’ feet is an indication that he recognised God as acting in and through Jesus. Though ten were made clean, only one of them and that too a Samaritan who was despised by the Jews and regarded as an outcast and foreigner returned to thank God. The faith of the man here is shown not before but after his healing. This results in the man receiving not just healing, but salvation. Gratitude does not come naturally to many of us. Brethren, let us keep our spirit of praise and thankfulness alive and vibrant in our hearts. It is through an open heart filled with love and gratitude that will always keep us mindful of all Jesus has done for us, both temporal and spiritual, especially our redemption from slavery to sin and its deadly effects. Shalom!