Ten lepers were healed. Only one came back to give thanks.

“In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.”  (St. Teresa of Avila).

"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 voices, 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.” (Luke 17: 11 - 19).

Sunday 9th October of the 28th week of Ordinary Time.

The first Reading from 2 Kings and the Gospel from St Luke teaches us the importance of Thanksgiving. “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?" Asked Jesus. Was Jesus hurt that nine lepers who were healed of the terrible malady of leprosy walked away without giving thanks. I bet he was. Here is why:

Worship is at the heart religion. At the heart of worship is Thanksgiving. God does not eat steak, barbecue or drink champagne or wine. He has no need for gold or silver. God feeds on: "Sacrifice of thanksgiving." And again in the same Psalm 50: "Pay your sacrifice of thanksgiving to God." Imperative!

Do not walk away after realizing that your prayers have been answered. You are now pregnant, got the job, home, health, money, etc. Return and Give Thanks.

The Church teaches on the Prayer of Thanksgiving:
"Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head." (CCC 2637).

Do not deny God your sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving.

10. 9  "The Rosary is a meditation and contemplation of the mysteries of our Lord's life in the company of his Mother." (St John Henry Newman).

Daily Bible Verse @ SeekFirstcommunity.com