Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: For a greater respect for human life, particularly for the unborn and for those living with disabilities, so that we will open our hearts to the sacredness of all life in all of its expressions.
Today’s Gospel | Luke 17: 11-19
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
From the Meditation on Saint Denis | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
(It) would be of little use to be enlightened by the light of faith if we did not live according to the Christian spirit and if we did not observe the maxims of the holy Gospel. The main purpose of faith is to lead us to practice what we believe. This made Saint James say that faith is dead which is not accompanied by good works. You believe, he adds, that there is one God; you do well; the devils also believe this, but we are justified by our works, not by faith alone. Be convinced that the main conversion is that of the heart and that without it the conversion of the mind is quite sterile. This is why if you strive to strengthen your faith, let it be in order to increase your piety.
Prayer
Eternal Father, your Son taught that it is by the greatness of our faith and the actions it inspires that we will know salvation. Strengthen our trust and confidence in you, and guide our footsteps as we seek to follow your Son. Teach us to be servants of all, especially those who are most in need of compassion and healing. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.