Thursday of week 32 in Ordinary Time Luke 17:20-25
The Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. They expected signs, something visible, even spectacular. But Jesus’ answer is disarming: “The Kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed… For, in fact, the Kingdom of God is among you.”
Here lies the challenge. God’s Kingdom is not about outward displays or cosmic signs—it is about hearts transformed by love. It is not a revolution of politics or structures, but a revolution of people renewed in Christ. The Kingdom is already present wherever faith, forgiveness, and charity are lived.
With the Word alive in us, with his compassion, with his love, the reign of God has already broken into the world. Yet the Pharisees, who longed for God’s rule, failed to recognise him standing before them. How often do we too overlook God’s presence because it comes in the most ordinary ways, quietly, simply, and humbly?
Jesus then warns his disciples about the longing, even impatience, as the Church cries out, “How long, O Lord?” However, the timing is not something we can determine. What matters is not speculation or chasing after false signs, but remaining faithful to our daily vocation.
The Kingdom, then, is both already and not yet. Already here in Christ, in the sacraments, in the love we share. Not yet in its fullness, which we await with patience and hope. Our task is to live today as citizens of that Kingdom—finding God in the ordinary, welcoming his presence among us, and preparing our hearts for the day when Christ will come again in glory.
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr Luke 17:11-19 Saved by Faith
The story of the ten lepers is one of the most moving reminders of gratitude in the Gospel. Ten were healed, but only one—a Samaritan—returned to give thanks. The others received the gift, but forgot the Giver.
First, note where this incident occurred: on the border between Galilee and Samaria. Jews and Samaritans normally had nothing to do with each other, yet here they were, side by side in their suffering. Illness, pain, and misfortune had broken down the walls that divided them. It is the same for us: in our weakness, we discover our shared humanity, and in our common need, we discover God.
Second, look at the lepers’ cry. They stood at a distance, excluded and isolated, but their voices still reached Jesus: “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” And Jesus did. He sent them on their way, and as they went, they were healed. Often God’s mercy meets us not in an instant miracle, but along the road of obedience and faith.
Yet here is the heart of the Gospel: only one returned to give thanks. Gratitude is not automatic—it requires awareness, humility, and love. How easy it is to pray urgently in our time of need, but how quickly we forget when the blessing comes. We can be ungrateful to parents who once gave us everything, to friends or mentors who supported us, and above all to God, who gave us His Son.
The Samaritan shows us the way: he turned back, praised God, and fell at Jesus’ feet in thanksgiving. Gratitude deepens the gift and transforms healing into salvation. Jesus tells him, “Your faith has saved you.”
Let us remember to live with thankful hearts, never forgetting God’s benefits, and turning our blessings into praise.
Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop Luke 17:7-10 Unprofitable Servants
Today’s Gospel might seem challenging initially: Jesus instructs His disciples that they should fulfil their duties without seeking recognition or reward for their efforts. “We are unworthy servants; we have only done what we ought to have done.” But behind these words is a lesson in humility, joy, and true service.
First, Jesus reminds us that discipleship is not about multiplying activities, as if busyness alone would save us. What matters is faithfulness—doing what God asks of us, not everything we imagine or desire. Sometimes we tire ourselves with many good things that are not ours to do. True service is to listen, discern, and carry out our proper task with love.
Second, Jesus teaches us not to complain or make ourselves victims in the face of duty. Life requires effort, sacrifice, and perseverance. When we embrace our responsibilities with patience, they become a path of grace rather than chains of bitterness.
Finally, the Gospel calls us to serve with humility. Service is not about recognition or reward, but about love. God reveals Himself in the small and ordinary tasks of each day—in the quiet acts of kindness, the hidden sacrifices, the unnoticed gestures of care. To be a disciple is not to seek glory for ourselves, but to serve joyfully for God’s glory.
Jesus does not diminish our dignity when He calls us “unworthy servants.” Instead, He invites us to discover the deepest truth: that everything we have is gift, and service is our grateful response to God’s love. When we serve humbly, we find freedom and peace, for in giving ourselves without seeking reward, we share most fully in the life of Christ.
全属于祢 
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