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Gospel

“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”

From the Gospel according to Luke Lk 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.”
As they were going they were cleansed. 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.
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 Gospel of the Lord.

Conversion on Pause:

Recognizing our need and seeking help from the Lord isn’t an act of selfishness; it’s an expression of humility, acknowledging that, by ourselves, we can achieve nothing. But what if God assists me, and I fail to show gratitude? In such a scenario, God may withhold what I request out of pure mercy, ensuring that my lack of gratitude doesn’t hinder my judgment. This idea is endorsed by Saint Bernard, Doctor of the Church. He concludes by stating, ‘only our ingratitude can pause our progress on the path of our conversion…’ A truly thought-provoking statement.

Applied to married life:

Mark: Today I have discovered why I’m not making more progress in my relationship with you.

Catherine: You’re not progressing? Why is that?

Mark: Because I am not grateful for the wonderful graces and gifts I have received directly from God and through you.

Catherine: That’s important, Mark. It’s crucial to be grateful to each other and to God. I often find myself complaining about your shortcomings and sins throughout our life together and those you still maintain.

Catherine: Thank you, Lord, for the faith I have received through my wife. Thank you for her kindness to others, from which I have learned so much. Thank you because she is always attentive to Your will and has helped me prioritize it. Thank you for her human and spiritual motherhood. Thank you for…

Mother,

May I learn to appreciate the gifts and graces that God has given me. Praise be to Him for so much…”