Martin Madalai Muthu csc –
Readings: 2Kgs 5:14-17; 2 Tim 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19
Readings of the day highlights the importance of expressing gratitude. In the first reading Naaman was healed from leprosy. In return, with gratitude, he carried some soil from Israel and gave up his faith in false gods and accepted the Lord. In the Gospel we read about Jesus healing ten persons affected by leprosy. At the instruction of Jesus, they went on their way to show themselves to the priests, but only a Samaritan returned to Jesus and fell at his feet and thanked him.
In the readings, we see two different healings from God. It is the people who want to recover from some illness who seem to be flocking to the retreat centres or going on pilgrimages. Later, they too bear testimony in those sessions.
The focal point for us today is our attitude of gratitude for the many benefits we receive from God apart from being healthy. Are we thankful to God for them? We hardly take time to thank the people like our parents, companions, and elders around us. My prayers are supposed to be a ‘Thanksgiving offertory to God’. Our expression of thanks shows the realization of goodness around us. Just thanking God for everything could be a formula to grow as an optimistic person. It gives courage and confidence to grow as a better person. A thankful heart rejoices over
the love of God and sends the fragrance of faith to the people. Let us take a step to make our life itself a symbol of thanksgiving to all.