Jesus healing the ten lepers has several lessons.  First, Jesus responds to pleas for pity:  “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” – a prayer we can each make our own, no matter what particular form of leprosy or need we may have.  Second, the incident teaches the importance of gratitude for what God has done for us.  Third, the one who returned, received a far greater gift from Jesus than his physical healing: he received salvation.

When we serve God we do not earn special status: God does not owe us.  Our attitude should be that of the Samaritan leper who is healed and comes back to thank Jesus.  This is the proper disposition to God, one of deep heartfelt gratitude.  The problem is that of the ten lepers healed only one comes back to thank Jesus.  How typical of human nature. We receive and take so much from God, but rarely give God thanks. This is because we often fail to have the eyes of faith to see the reality of the Kingdom of God, which is the problem the Pharisees had.  We must respond with faith, forgiveness and thanksgiving if we want to see the light of the Kingdom, for at the time of judgement it will be too late.

God Bless,

Msgr. Powell