Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time*
Luke 17: 11-19
Gratitude is a basic Christian attitude

In today’s Gospel, Luke recounts the healing of ten lepers, yet only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus. This passage emphasises gratitude—a central theme for Luke, who often portrays people praising God for Jesus’ miracles. Gratitude is an essential attitude for Christians, recognising every blessing as a gift from God. The Samaritan leper’s return to give thanks shows a deep sense of God’s grace, transcending mere rituals or personal merit.

Jesus meets a group of lepers as he travels to Jerusalem through Samaria and Galilee. Theycall out from a distance because society rejected them as they were regarded as cursed by God. However, they demonstrate their faith in His mercy. Jesus tells them to presentthemselves to the priests, and as they go, they are healed. Their journey symbolises the faith journey, trusting in Jesus’ word even without seeing any immediate results.

The Samaritan’s reaction showcases the openness that Jesus wishes to see in His followers. While the others continue on, perhaps feeling entitled to their healing, the Samaritan comesback to give glory to God. This outsider understands his healing as an act of pure grace, aware that he has no personal claim to it. Jesus seizes this moment to illustrate that gratitude fosters a deeper relationship with God, enabling us to recognize His generosity throughoutour lives.

Through this example, the Samaritan serves as a role model for anyone called to embrace a grateful heart. His reaction shows us that faith and gratitude are deeply interconnected. Genuine discipleship requires us to acknowledge God’s presence in every aspect of life and to maintain an attitude of constant thankfulness. We are invited to extend this gift to others, helping them recognize that every moment offers a chance to celebrate God’s grace.

*In the Dioceses of the United States celebrate Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin

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