The Gospel of Luke, chapter 17-19

Today’s gospel passage throws the spotlight on an essential dimension of faith; namely, gratitude. The Gospel tells the story about Jesus healing the ten lepers and how only one returned to give thanks. Gratitude is a sign of faith. Whenever there was no gratitude, Jesus became distressed and, on occasion, He could not perform any miracles. Addressing the Samaritan who showed gratitude, Jesus said: “your faith has saved you.”

There is no such thing as an anonymous gift. Faith is the greatest gift of all; it sets people free; it offers healing and release from the chains of a sinful life; it gives light to the mind, power to the soul. Faith cannot exist without gratitude because it is such a wonderful, life-giving gift.

The Samaritan in today’s Gospel knew how to be grateful, and his gratitude, after receiving Christ’s healing power, found expression in a burst of praise. The gratitude required of faith implies three things: The giver (God), the receiver (you), and the community (the Church). For the Samaritan it was not sufficient to slip away quietly, after he was healed, like the other nine. He was a grateful man, and he expressed his thanks to Jesus in the presence of the community.

The Samaritan’s gratitude can quite properly, be called Eucharistic (meaning, Thanksgiving). He returned thanks to Jesus in the presence of the people. When you receive communion, think about that. No need to be glum or tight lipped. Be grateful that you can receive Christ with the worshiping community; be grateful and show it in the way you live.

Fr. Hugh Duffy