NEVER FORGET TO SHOW GRATITUDE TO GOD WHO IS ALWAYS WILLING AND READY TO MAKE US WHOLE AGAIN

 Wednesday 32nd week in Ordinary Time Year A, 11th November, 2020. The Memorial of St. Martin of Tours

Readings: Titus 3:1-7, Ps.23, Luke:17:11-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

NEVER FORGET TO SHOW GRATITUDE TO GOD WHO IS ALWAYS WILLING AND READY TO MAKE US WHOLE AGAIN

The compassionate love of Jesus in solidarity with human suffering is evident in the scriptures and even in our daily lives.  Little wonder, we have great events in the scriptures that illustrates the compassionate concern of Jesus in the struggles of humanity and wishes to set us free from the shackles of all our troubles. But how often do we show gratitude for such great love.

 This is evident in the occasion of our Gospel passage today, where we heard the story of Jesus’ encounter with the ten lepers. Ten of them were cured, but only one who is a foreigner among them came back to thank Jesus.  From this man’s gratitude, Jesus made a comment on human ingratitude when he asked “Was there no one to return and give thanks to God except this foreigner?”

 The problem is that we don’t always remember that the ultimate source of our graces and gifts is God. That is what makes the Samaritan leper special, and distinguishes him from the other nine. Unfortunately, God’s greatest gifts, our life and health, our ability to think and achieve great things, are often taken for granted. More so, the story of these lepers is a good example of how we sinners can and should appeal to Jesus for cleansing especially from our sins. We should come in faith knowing that God is always willing to cleanse every sinner who comes to Him. 

So, let us sincerely turn to God once again with all of our hearts and with all of our strength, just like the lepers who came to Jesus with faith, knowing that he could heal them and make them better. This is what all of us must have as well, a strong and genuine faith. Today may be our great opportunity to be restored and what is needed is to put our faith to action and say Jesus! Master! Have mercy on us.

Dear friends, I don’t know what type of leprocious problems you are passing through? Are you weigh down by sin or sickness? Are you feeling helpless and rejected?  Or do I know people who are helpless and need some help? Do I feel the need of Jesus’s help in some part of my life? Let us pause for a moment and imagine Jesus looking at us. How does he sees us? What are you saying to him and what is he saying to you. Jesus wishes to set us free from sickness, troubles challenges and manipulations of the evil ones. He desires to be with us as we struggle everyday to overcome the challenges in our families, society and the world at large. 

Therefore, we should not be afraid to approach Jesus for healing and restoration, all we need is an active faith and heart of gratitude like the leper in our Gospel passage today. Let us also be inspired by St. Martin of Tours whose memorial we celebrate today, his life was truly exemplary before God. He was a champion of the true faith amidst several challenges and heresies that were rampant in his time, protecting his flock from the false teachings and helped to guide them down the right path, leading by example through his own virtuous life. In gratitude to God, we too can do the same.

LET US PRAY: Lord God, you know our inner most being and the challenges we are struggling with, come to our aid we pray and through the intercession of St. Martin of Tours, cleanse us from all our physical, emotional and spiritual leprosy as we thank you for all you have done for us, we ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen. Peace be with you.