Reflection

Giving Thanks

Leprosy is a horrific disease and is highly contagious. In Jesus’ day, anyone diagnosed with leprosy was isolated from society and had to live outside the towns and cities. Many Lepers found themselves in Leper colonies with other lepers.

The Jewish law required that those with leprosy shout, 'Unclean, unclean' when people approached to avoid contaminating others. At the time, there was no treatment for leprosy. Lepers were isolated and alone from their family and friends while the illness slowly killed them.

Luke 17:11-19 takes place as Jesus and the disciples are travelling toward Jerusalem. The cross was not far away, yet Jesus left the usual path through the region between Samaria and Galilee to bring hope and healing to the hopeless.

These ten lepers were excluded from society. Further, at least one was excluded because of his race (a Samaritan). Yet, this account shows they were never excluded from God’s plan.

1. Jesus Hears our Cry for Mercy (Luke 17:13)

When the ten hopeless lepers saw Jesus, they found some hope. They must have heard something about Jesus because they call 'Teacher, show us mercy.'

The word 'mercy' or 'pity' must have been commonly on their lips. These lepers relied on the mercy of others to survive outside of the city.

Jesus hears their cry and gives them more than food, clothes, or medicine. He meets a deeper need.

God hears our cries, knows the details of our circumstances, and acts in grace and mercy. Maybe the lepers would have been satisfied with a warm meal, money, clean water or medicine. But Jesus, gave them more. Jesus meets their deeper need for healing.

2. Give Thanks (Luke 17:16)

The Samaritan Leper leaves his friends and returns to Jesus. 'When he saw he was healed, he came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him.'

Previously this leper was required to cry out in a loud voice, 'Unclean, unclean.' He had called out in a loud voice for mercy, but now He is praising God with a loud voice. He wants everyone to know He has experienced grace and healing. His heart is overflowing with thankfulness.

Nearing the end of this semester, may we give thanks. For all the teaching and learning that has taken place in our school, both in and out of the classroom. We give thanks for the community that we are and the opportunities that we have. May we always have an attitude of gratitude to God.

Holy Family of Nazareth, be our inspiration and our guide.

Jesus of Nazareth, help us to grow in Faith, Wisdom and Knowledge.