Thankfulness
How thankful are we?
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” - Luke 17:11-19
Those of us who have made it through the pandemic without getting sick may be quick to credit ourselves.
We have done a remarkable job staying isolated, following the guidance, keeping our faces covered and our hands clean. But is it all our own doing? Don't we have everyone else to thank as well.
In today's Gospel reading, when only one who was healed returns to thank him, Jesus poses a simple question. Where are the others?
The one who was thankful, praised God. He realized that the work of healing was done by this man of God, so God should be praised.
The lesson for us is to praise God for helping us through the pandemic.
It is hard, though, to believe that God would have a hand in keeping some of us safe and not others. So we tend to think God is not interested in helping us.
Jesus shows us that isn't the case. God is always eager to help, but we must do our part as well. The ten were sent to show themselves to the priest. That was all they had to do.
I know this sounds like all the blame for our illnesses falls on us, and I don't believe that at all, but I do think we should do what we can to help stay healthy, and praise God when we do.
Of course, it might be easier to just praise God for each day we are alive, since He probably has a hand in that as well.
More to come...