An Attitude of Gratefulness
On this 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time we reflect on gratitude, healing, and
recognizing divine help in our lives. In the first reading from 2 Kings, Naaman, a
Syrian army commander in search of healing of his leprosy, comes across the
prophet Elisha. Elisha tells him to dip seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman’s
initial hesitation turns to joy when he finally obeys, and is miraculously healed.
Wishing to show his gratitude, Naaman offers Elisha gifts; but the prophet kindly
declines, reminding us that true healing and grace can not be bought. Naaman
then illustrates his transformation by an usual request to take home as much
earth as two mules can carry. The soil symbolizes Naaman’s awareness of his
mortality and his desire to worship the God who healed him on holy ground.The theme of healing and gratitude continues in today’s Gospel. Ten lepers
approach Jesus, begging for mercy. Jesus tells them to go and show themselves
to the priests – an act of faith in itself. As they go, they realize that their leprosy
has already been healed. Only one, a Samaritan, recognizes the greatness of
this gift and returns to Jesus with praise and thanks. Jesus asks him why, after
such a significant healing, the other nine did not return to thank Him. It seems
they had forgotten where their miraculous blessing of healing truly came from.Like the lepers, many of us experience blessings and healings, but how often
do we pause to express our gratitude? The practice of this gratitude, through
participation in the Eucharist, expresses the true spirit of worship. Each Sunday
at Mass we are given an opportunity to reflect on God’s countless gifts and to
come together as a community in thanksgiving.
Yesterday was a truly joyous day at our parish, as 35 young people received
the Sacrament of Confirmation from Bishop Barbarito. This special moment isn’t
just the end of their journey but the start of an exciting new chapter where they
are called to live out their faith even more passionately. The bishop highlighted
that the gifts of the Holy Spirit received during Confirmation are meant to be
shared with others. He encouraged each of the newly confirmed to serve their
familes and community and to sincerely give thanks for the graces they have
received along their faith journey thus far.
Both Naaman and the Samaritan illustrate the importance of recognizing and
acting on God’s blessings. Their stories remind us that gratitude and faith can
guide us and others toward salvation. In a world full of distractions, let us stay
alert, sincerely thanking God for daily blessings. Each act of gratitude promotes
spiritual growth, creating a fertile environment for faith to flourish.Rev. Dominic Toan Tran, Pastor