XXVIII Sunday in OT:[C] II Kgs 5:14-17;II Tm2:8-13;Lk17: 11-19

XXVIII Sunday in OT:[C] II Kgs 5:14-17;II Tm2:8-13;Lk17: 11-19

Introduction: "Stand up and go; your faith has saved you." [Lk.17:19] Last week's readings spoke of living faith, a faith that shines in works. Today's readings speak of healing faith, a faith that embraces gratitude. For we are called to "Rejoice always, (to) pray without ceasing, (to) give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for (us)." [1 Thess. 5:16-8]

Interpretations: Naaman, the Syrian military General in the first reading, was not only an outcast because of his illness; he was also a non-Israelite. But he returned to thank Prophet Elisha for the cure, and as a sign of his gratitude, transferred his allegiance to the God of Israel. St. Paul , in the second reading, advises Timothy to be grateful to God even in his physical sufferings and amid the dangers associated with spreading the Word of God, because God will always be faithful to His people. Today’s  Gospel story tells us of a single non-Jewish leper (a “Samaritan heretic”), who returned to thank Jesus for healing him, while the nine Jewish lepers went their way. Under the false impression that healing was their right as God’s chosen people, they  hurried off to obtain health certificates from the priests.  “Where are the other nine?” Jesus asked the Samaritan leper and the crowd.   Today’s readings also remind us that faith and healing go hand in hand. It was faith that prompted Naaman to plunge himself into the waters of the Jordan River, and it was in faith in Jesus which prompted the lepers to present themselves to the priests. The readings also demonstrate the universal love of God for all peoples, including the Samaritans (whom the Israelites hated), and the pagans, Israel 's enemies whom Naaman represented.

Anecdote: Harry Ironside, the great American Bible teacher, went into a crowded restaurant to have a meal. Just as he was about to begin his meal, a man approached and asked if he could join him. Ironside invited him to have a seat. Then, as was his custom, Ironside bowed his head in prayer. When he opened his eyes, the other man asked, “Do you have a headache?” Ironside replied, “No, I don’t.” The man continued, “Is something wrong with your food?” Ironside replied, “No, I was simply thanking God as I always do before I eat.” The man said, “Oh, you're one of those, are you? Well, I want you to know that I never give thanks. I earn my money by the sweat of my brow and I don’t have to give thanks to anybody when I eat. I just start right in!” Ironside said, “Yes, you're just like my dog. That’s what he does too!”

Exegesis: As a general rule, when a Jewish leper was healed, he had to go to the local priest to confirm that he was now clean and permitted to mix among the general public. For the Samaritan, more was demanded. Most likely, he had to go to his own priest near Mount Gerizim. This demand of Jesus required a greater act of obedience because of the travelling involved. While the demand was greater upon the Samaritan, he was the only one to show gratitude for the gift of healing that he received.

Today's readings provide us with an opportunity to reflect upon our own disposition during prayer. Do we beg God for a special favor but forget to show gratitude by giving thanks when our favor is obtained? Do we persevere in our prayers as Paul persevered in his sufferings? If praying while in a state of mortal sin and told by the priest to go and clean ourselves through the Sacrament of Confession so our prayer will be pleasing to the eyes of God, do we grumble, hesitate or even hardened our hearts?

Today's readings provide us with answers as to why some prayers are not answered. They teach us that we are healed when we show gratitude to God for the abundance of blessings that He has bestowed upon us from the moment that we were created.

Joke: I got a letter which reads: “Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the collection plate, but my father didn't give me a raise in my allowance. Could you have a sermon about a raise in my allowance? Love, Patty. Age 10, New Haven”

Practical applications: 1) We need to learn to be thankful to God. We can express our gratitude to our loving and providing God by offering grace before meals and by allotting a few minutes of the day for family prayer.  Fix a time like 7:30 in the evening, everybody in the family sit in front of a statue or icon of sacred heart and pray rosary everyday.

2) Be thankful to others: Let us show our gratitude to our forgiving God by forgiving others, and to a loving God by radiating His love, mercy and compassion to others, including our families and friends.  It is by taking good care of our old and sick parents that we express our gratitude to them for the sacrifices they made in raising us.   Visiting the sick is also an encouragement.

2) We need to celebrate the Holy Eucharist as the supreme act of thanksgiving:  The Greek word “Eucharist” means profoundly religious and thoroughly spiritual “thanksgiving.”  When we celebrate Holy Mass together, we are thanking God for giving us the great gift of His Son in the Holy Eucharist, so that we can share His divine life.  We express our thanks to God as a parish community by sharing our time, talents and material blessings in the various ministries and services of the parish and by our active participation.

Introduction: Twenty Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Message: The Lord has revealed his saving power to all the nations! Naaman, a Syrian is healed, and lepers are made whole, but only the Samaritan returns to give thanks.  Let us remain steadfast in faith, and thankful for the Lord’s blessings.

Saints and Events in this Week: 14-Forteenth- Monday- Saint Callistus I, pope, martyr; 15-Fifteenth-Tuesday-Saint Teresa of Jesus, Virgin, doctor of the Church; 16-Sixteenth-Wednesday-Saint Hedwig, religious; Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque, virgin; 17-Seventeenth-Thursday-Saint Ignatius of Antioch, bishop, martyr; 18-Eighteenth-Friday-Saint Luke, Evangelist; 19-Nineteenth-Saturday-Saints John de Brebeuf and Isaac Jogues, priests, and companions, martyrs from USA.; 20-Twentieth-Sunday-Mission Sunday.