MY daily reflection and prayer:
Wednesday, November 11, 2015
Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Martinus
Dear my friends,
Here is the Gospel for us today according to Luke 17:11-19
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.
***
THE Gospel today proclaims and records an unusual encounter between two peoples who had been divided for centuries. The Jews and Samaritans had no dealings with one another even though Samaria was located in the central part of Judaea. Both peoples were openly hostile whenever their paths crossed.
In the gospel narrative today, we see one rare exception, a Samaritan leper in company with nine Jewish lepers. When this band of Jewish and Samaritan lepers see Jesus they make a bold request. They do not ask for healing, but instead ask for mercy.
What is the significance of these ten lepers asking for mercy for us? They know they are in need of healing, not just physical, but spiritual healing as well. They approach Jesus with faith because they believe that he can release the burden of guilt and suffering. He can make restoration of body and soul possible. Their request for mercy is both a plea for pardon and release from suffering. Jesus gives mercy to all who ask with faith and contrition.
The Samaritan approaches Jesus reverently and gives praise to God. In the Perpetual Adoration of the Eucharist, we express gratitude to God for his abundant help and mercy towards us. We also pray and ask that we may be gracious, kind, and merciful towards our neighbor in their time of need and support.
Let’s pray: Lord Jesus Christ, may we never fail to recognize your loving kindness and mercy. Fill our hearts with compassion and thanksgiving. Free us from ingratitude and discontentment. Help us to count our blessings with a grateful heart and to give thanks in all circumstances now and forever. Amen.
Kredit foto: Ilustrasi (Ist)
