Homily for Wednesday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B; 10th November, 2021 The Memorial of St. Leo The Great

 Homily for Wednesday Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time Year B; 10th November, 2021 The Memorial of St. Leo The Great

Readings: Wis. 6:1-11; Ps.82, Luke:17:11-19

Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Emenike Onyia.

HOW OFTEN DO WE SHOW GRATITUDE TO GOD FOR ALL WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM HIM?

In the scriptures and even in our daily lives the compassionate love of Jesus in solidarity with human suffering is so evident. Little wonder, we have great events in the scriptures that illustrates the compassionate concern of Jesus in the struggles of humanity and how he 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 because he realized that God is the source of his healing. Unfortunately, God’s greatest gifts, which is our life and health, our ability to think and achieve great things are often taken for granted by most of us. 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 Pope St. Leo the Great whose memorial we celebrate today for he showed us what it means to be a true and dedicated disciple of the Lord. As the Pope he dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the well-being of his flock. He led the Church and the faithful through the most difficult moment, and was instrumental in strengthening the Church against the various heresies of his time, telling all Christians to recognize our dignity.

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 Pope St. Leo the great, 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.