October 9, 2022

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kgs 5:14-17 2 Tm 2:8-13 Lk 17:11-19

GROW AS A DISCIPLE | PRAY, STUDY, ENGAGE, SERVE

GROW: Back in 2018, a Christmastime video about gratitude went viral. A young Dad wakes up covered in wrapping paper to discover his similarly adorned wife and kids. He runs through the house, “unwrapping” the electricity, running water, his shoes ... and a car! Today’s Gospel reminded me of this, and of all the times the Lord has provided: whether it is something ordinary like food in the fridge or something extraordinary like the birth of our sons. But how often do I acknowledge that all these gifts come from God? I am guessing all 10 of the lepers in today’s Gospel felt much gratitude and joy after they were healed. But only one, a foreigner no less, returned to Jesus to give thanks to God. Likewise, today’s readings remind us to return to God with gratitude for all the blessings in our lives – both extraordinary and ordinary.

GO EVANGELIZE | PRAYER, INVITATION, WITNESS, ACCOMPANIMENT

GO: Hearing the account in Kings today, I picture Naaman plunging into the Jordan – not just once but seven times! What if he’d stopped after one, or two, or four? We hear in the Gospel of 10 other lepers, all of whom raised their voices shouting “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” In both cases, those seeking healing showed faith in God, persevering against all odds. This perseverance also is evident in the second reading, where Saint Paul bears great suffering for the sake of the Gospel and the salvation of others. These readings challenge us to persevere in our faith – through prayer and our witness to others we encounter. God will not always answer our prayers the way we want or expect – at least not the first time. We need to jump back in like Naaman, trusting that God will give us what we need.

PRAY: We quickly turn to God when things go wrong. Next time something good happens, turn to God with the same urgency and say a prayer of thanks.