In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers who cry out to Him for mercy. As they go on their way, they are cleansed—but only one returns to give thanks. And that one, Jesus tells us, is a Samaritan.

“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” (Luke 17:18)

This story reveals something profound about the nature of faith and gratitude.

Healing is freely given

Naaman, in the First Reading, obeys the prophet’s command to wash in the Jordan River. When he emerges healed, he proclaims, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel.”
Like Naaman, the ten lepers receive healing purely as a gift of God’s mercy—not because they earned it. Each of us has known this grace in our lives: the quiet ways God restores our peace, heals our relationships, or renews our strength.

Gratitude transforms

Only one of the ten returns to thank Jesus, and that act of gratitude becomes the moment of true salvation. Jesus tells him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Gratitude turns a physical healing into a spiritual encounter. It turns a blessing into worship. When we stop to thank God, we are reminded that our lives depend on His goodness, not our accomplishments.

How easy it is to be like the nine—too busy, too distracted, or too accustomed to grace. Yet, when we choose gratitude, everything changes. Our hearts become lighter, our perspective wider, and our faith deeper.

Reflection Questions for the Week

1. When have I received a blessing from God and forgotten to say “thank you”?

2. Who in my life reminds me to live with gratitude and humility?

3. How can I help someone who feels like an “outsider” experience God’s mercy this week?

4. Do I see gratitude as part of my daily prayer life—or only something I offer occasionally?

Prayer for the Week

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the blessings around me.
May I never take Your gifts for granted.
Help me to be like the Samaritan who returned—
grateful, humble, and full of faith.
Heal my heart, that I may always glorify You in thanksgiving.
Amen.

In Christ,
Fr. Matt