SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2025, TWENTY-EIGHTH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME

THE TEN LEPERS (LK 17:11-19)

Prayer:

Come, Holy Spirit. Fill me with a spirit of thanksgiving.

Imagination:

Picture the one leper returning to give thanks.

Context:

This story is somewhat like a parable and ends with Jesus pronouncing the saving faith of the Samaritan. Obviously, the group consisted of nine Jewish lepers and one Samaritan. Their illness bonded them together and overcame their religious differences. The Samaritan emulates Naaman, a Syrian, who returned to thank the prophet Elisha for healing him of leprosy. (2 Kg 5:15).

Gospel text: (Read slowly, possibly aloud)

Thoughts: (Read all. Ponder the ones that attract you.)

  1. All ten realize their unique opportunity.  Jesus has come to their village.
  2.  United in prayer, all ten “lift up their voices” and ask for pity.
  3. All are obedient.  All go to the priest.  All are cleansed.
  4. Nine return home, thinking they have no further responsibility.
  5. Only one leper returns to Jesus.  By faith, he receives total cleansing.
  6. Jesus is disappointed.  He wanted all ten to return, so he could say, “Your faith has made you whole”.

Affections. (When one touches your heart, use your own words.)

  • O Jesus, come to me today.
  • I will cry out to you!
  • Cleanse me of my faults, my sins, my leprosies.
  • Have pity on me, Jesus.  I am a sinner.
  • Let my voice be loud in thanksgiving.
  • You have more blessings waiting for me when I return to give thanks.
  • O Jesus, make me whole.

Resolutions: (Possibly you might want to make your own.)

+ I will thank those who have helped me in the past – parents, teachers, friends.
+ All day long, I will give thanks for God’s blessings.

Thought for the Day: (To recall your meditation.)