The gift of gratitude ~ reflex on Lk 17:11-19

The lepers were outcasts, suffering not only from physical illness but also from social and spiritual isolation, unable to be where others gathered and prayed, including the synagogue. They were “less than” others, avoided by all. When they cried out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” they were not simply asking for healing—they were begging to be seen, to be restored, to be included again in human society. And Jesus responds, compassionately telling them to go show themselves to the priests; as they went, they were miraculously cleansed. Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one—a Samaritan, a double-outcast, as it were—returns. All ten received the same gift of healing, but only the Samaritan turned back, “praising God in a loud voice” and falling at Jesus’ feet to thank Him.

The Samaritan’s gratitude has little to do with good manners. It is the response of faith, and the foundation of humility. The grateful leper recognizes the source of his healing and acknowledges not only the gift but the Giver. Jesus sees this and says, “Your faith has saved you.” The Greek word used here—sozo—means more than physical healing; it signifies wholeness, salvation. The Samaritan’s gratitude opened within him the capacity for a true relationship with Jesus.

As Catholics, we are called to live lives of Eucharistic gratitude. In fact, the word “Eucharist” itself means “thanksgiving.” At every Mass, we are invited to remember what God has done for us - not just in general, but personally. Like the Samaritan, we are called to return, to give thanks, to worship, and in doing so, to be made whole as we are drawn into a deeper relationship with Christ.

We each receive many, many blessings from the Lord: salvation, family, forgiveness, daily provision, the many graces we recognize and those we have not yet been able to see, the things we are spared, the strength to persevere through difficulties, etc. But very often, we forget to take time to give thanks; we rush forward in life, healed perhaps, blessed for certain, but not fully transformed. Gratitude roots us in humility and opens our hearts to God’s grace more fully. It reminds us that we are not self-sufficient, but recipients of everything we have and are.

Let us ask for the grace of true gratitude and humility, so that we never take our many blessings for granted. And then may we, like the grateful leper, return each day to the feet of Christ with hearts full of praise and thanksgiving.