YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL

YOUR FAITH HAS MADE YOU WELL

(A biblical reflection on the 28^th Ordinary Sunday, 10 October, 2010) 

Gospel Reading: Lk 17:11-19

First Reading: 2Kings 5:14-17; Psalms: Ps 98:1-4; Second Reading: 2Tim 2:8-13 

The Scripture Texts

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 anda 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 (Lk 17:11-19 RSV). 

What a disappointment even for us who read today’s Gospel. The nine of the lepers whom Jesus healed from their leprosy did not return to thank Him. By not returning to Jesus they missed the opportunity to receive something far greater than physical healing. Certainly what they received was amazing: Even in our advanced medical age, leprosy can be halted, but not reversed. But the man who returned received something more than physical health. Jesus told him: “Your faith has made you well” (Lk 17:19). Not only had the man been “cleansed” of leprosy; he had been “saved.” 

Jesus heals people because He wants to set their hearts on fire with love for Him. This story of the ten lepers is a prime example of this truth. Jesus healed these men not only because He loved them, but because He wanted to invite them into a relationship with Him. The nine other lepers had no personal encounter with Jesus. From afar they were told to show themselves to the priests. They never established a relationship with Him, as the tenth man did. This relationship with Jesus is the crucial point, because it is only as we grow in a personal relationship with Him that we become children of God with new hearts and minds. To be with Jesus in a relationship of love and self-giving – that is truly what it means to be saved. 

In the ancient world, leprosy was an image of the state of humankind as a result of sin. Just as this disease makes a person an outcast from society, sin cuts us off from God, who is the source of our life and peace. In our distress, we can call out to Jesus from afar, and He will always help us. But His purpose is frustrated if we merely accept His help and go on our way. Jesus wants a relationship with us, in which we give Him our thanks and praise and He gives us His peace, comfort, and guidance. 

At Mass this Sunday, let us return to Jesus and thank Him for what He has done for us. Let us lay our lives down before Him in love, freely inviting Him to rule in our minds and hearts. 

Short prayer: Lord Jesus, we praise You today, as the Samaritan did. Thank You for cleansing us and saving us. Keep us close to You today and always. Amen. 

Jakarta, 7 October 2010  

A Christian Pilgrim