Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Intention: For the outcasts and downtrodden of our community and our nation, and for all who offer them refuge and compassion.
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 Second Meditation for the Time of Retreat | Saint John Baptist de La Salle
It is true that a number of doctrines are absolutely necessary for us to know in order to be saved. But what would it serve to know them if we did not take the trouble to practice the good to which we are bound?
Faith, Saint James says, without good works is dead. Saint Paul also says, If I knew all the mysteries and had full knowledge and all the faith such that I move mountains from one place to another but have not charity (that is, sanctifying grace), I am nothing.
Prayer
Eternal Father, there are times when we give in to our infatuation with possessions and power. We forget that we are living in your realm and that we are here to serve. We pray that we will not harden our hearts to your presence and remember that all good things will come if we seek you first above everything else. Help us to place our faith and hope in you, and to choose obedience over willfulness and humility over pride. We ask this of you who lives and reigns with your Son and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.