WEDNESDAY OF THE 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR
Celebration: St. Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr (1580-1623).
Born in Ukraine (Russia) of Orthodox parents, he became a Catholic and a Basilian monk. Chosen bishop, he worked faithfully for the unity of the Church until he was martyred by a mob.
Table of the Word
First Reading: Wisdom 6:1–11
Gospel: Luke 17:11–19
Theme: Gratitude.
Reflection
St. Augustine once said: "Gratitude is the remembrance of the soul. For the heart does not give thanks by words alone, but by recognizing the One who has walked with it in every step." It is in the lightbof this and following today's Gospel pericope that we darw the central theme for today's reflection: "Gratitude."
The Gospel lesson presents a striking contrast: ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give thanks. He was a Samaritan, an outsider, an unexpected witness of faith. And Jesus asks three questions that still confront the Church and every believer:
1. Were not ten made clean?
God’s mercy is abundant and reaches many.
2. Where are the other nine?
Blessings are often received, but rarely acknowledged.
3. Has no one returned to give praise except this foreigner?
Sometimes, those considered “far” respond with deeper faith than the religiously familiar.
The healing of the ten shows God’s generosity; the return of the one shows the power of gratitude.
Gratitude is not merely good manners, it is a spiritual posture. That is why, a sage once said: "Ingratitude is sharper than the traitor's sword."
The healed Samaritan did not only receive cleansing of the skin; he received salvation of the heart: “Your faith has saved you.” (Luke 17:19)
- To receive a gift is grace.
- To return thanks is relationship.
Meanwhile, our first reading from Wisdom admonishes those in leadership that Power and authority are gifts, and God will hold every soul accountable for how it is used. This applies in: - Family life.
- Parish life.
- Community leadership.
- Personal influence.
The wise leader is not arrogant, but mindful that: We serve under the gaze of the One who sees all.
The Church in her teaching sums it all: “Every event and gift in our lives calls for gratitude. Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church.” (cf. CCC 2637–2638) And St. Augustine adds: “The one who gives thanks lives in the presence of God.”
Beloved in Christ Jesus, let us be reminded that: gratitude is not an occasional prayer but a way of seeing the world. As atake home package for the day, let us pause awhile and answer these questions: - Have I become accustomed to God’s gifts and forgotten to thank Him?
- Do I recognize blessings in ordinary daily moments?
- Is gratitude shaping my prayer, or is my prayer mostly request?
Fiy, let us return like the Samaritan with a loud voice glorifying God.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 12112025
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