Contents
Introduction
Luke 17:11–19 is a further clarification of the Gospel of last Sunday (Luke 17:5–10). Jesus is gradually approaching Jerusalem hence the presence of the lepers should not be a surprise. That the lepers stood far off should not be a surprise as well, since the lepers themselves know that the law obliged them to keep their distance due to their physical condition. They must remain separated from the rest of the society (cf. Lev 13:45–46). It is curious to note that the lepers though segregated, found solidarity among themselves. The decision to move as a group in supplicating Jesus’ mercy is worth mentioning. United we stand, divided we not only fall, but we also clash.
Concerning ingratitude
“Then Jesus asked, were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” (Luke 17:17–18). Due to their ingratitude, the other nine lepers (probably Jews) went home physically healed but spiritually sick and unsaved. We must avoid ingratitude because as J. Thomson puts it, “ingratitude is treason to mankind.” In his classical work De Beneficiis (III,1), Lucius Annaeus Seneca gives a beautiful description of an ungrateful person. Hear him: “Ingratus est, qui beneficium accepisse se negat, quod accepit: ingratus est, qui dissimulat; ingratus, qui non reddit; ingratissimus omnium, qui oblitus est – He is ungrateful who denies that he has received a kindness which has been bestowed upon him; he is ungrateful who conceals it; he is ungrateful who makes no return for it; most ungrateful of all is he who forgets it.” Every kindness must be acknowledged, made known, returned (shared) and remembered. It is the only way to propagate the goodness of God. Among the sins we confess, we must include ingratitude. Our society is infected with a lot of ingratitude and ingrates. Like Naaman (cf. First Reading), the Samaritan went back to thank God for healing him and restoring his health and happiness, and Jesus appreciated it. His attitude is encouraging.
Conclusion – Showing gratitude
Unfortunately, many people are not aware that ingratitude is a grievous sin. There are people who arrogantly presume that others must do something for them, and hence, they find it almost impossible to say “thank you.” Nobody owes you anything. Rather, you might be the person owing someone something. Gratitude is normally a way of acknowledging and attracting divine blessing. Consequently, to thank a person who did something for you no matter how little is in fact, a way of thanking God who operates in and through that person. Think about this! It needs faith to forgive seven times. It needs faith to come back and thank God for being healed. It also needs faith to say thank you for kindness received. Remember, “gratitude helps you to grow and expand; gratitude brings joy and laughter into your life and into the lives of all those around you” (E. Caddy). Again, as E. Tolle observes “it is through gratitude for the present moment that the spiritual dimension of life opens up.” The story of the ten lepers is used by Jesus to condemn the discrimination and injustice among believers. Nobody should be segregated due to sickness or whatever. There are series of discriminations in various Christian denominations. The same story also serves to underline the necessity of gratitude and appreciation. It further shows that faith and obedience work together.
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SUNDAY REFLECTIONS” (vols. I‑II-III)!! The reflection for the 28th Sunday is found in The Word of Life, vol. III, pages 562–571. Happy reading!
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