“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.” Luke 17:17–19
Are you thankful for God’s Divine Mercy? Do you actually thank Jesus when He gives His absolution through the ministry of the Church? Do you ever gaze upon the Crucifix and say thank You?
Luke’s Gospel captures a moment of ingratitude that I fear is very common today. Jesus heals many but only one leper actually returned to Jesus to thank Him. Ten lepers had come to Jesus, stood at a distance, cried out, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And with that, Jesus healed them all. But the heart of this healing is not as much the healing itself as it is the gratitude expressed by only one of the ten.
This Gospel relates to us that this one leper did five things to profoundly express his gratitude. He returned, he glorified God, he did so in a loud voice, he fell at the feet of Jesus, and he thanked Jesus.
What a wonderful witness for us all!
When you turn to Jesus in repentance, seeking mercy for your sins (big or small), do you thank Jesus or just walk away?
I am guilty so often of running to the Confessional, yelling out for Mercy. Then, just walking away after this immeasurable healing if given. Yes, I notice I am healed. Inside, I leap for joy. But, how often do I let that joy out or turn back to Jesus to fall at His feet in thanks and homage for the great gift?
This is something I’m working to change. With my daily examen, immediate repentance and visits to the Sacrament of Reconciliation, I am making it a point to immediately thank Jesus, to thank the Trinity for their healing through Divine Mercy.
Don’t be the nine, come back immediately, recognizing the gift of healing through God’s Divine Mercy and thank Him. Fall at Jesus’ feet and with a loud voice, give Him thanks and worship. Consider making it a point in your Act of Contrition.
Lord, thank You for hearing my urgent cry for healing. My soul was broken and darkened by my sin. Yet, You unhesitatingly answered, healing me of the disease with which sin scarred me. I fall at Your feet thanking You for the love the Father has shown me in cleansing my soul, for the love You showed me on Calvary through the blood and water from Your Most Sacred Heart that washes me clean and for the love of the fire of the Holy Spirit that burns away my sin and makes me new again. Let me never again be so ungracious as to turn from You in sin, and, if I do, give me the grace to always run back in Thanksgiving to You. In Your Mighty and Merciful Name I pray. Amen and amen. Alleluia!