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11 The Ten Lepers


Gospel
Luke 17:11-19
No-one has come back to praise God, only this foreigner

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus travelled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered one of the villages, ten lepers came to meet him. They stood some way off and called to him, ‘Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.’ When he saw them he said, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ Now as they were going away they were cleansed. Finding himself cured, one of them turned back praising God at the top of his voice and threw himself at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. The man was a Samaritan. This made Jesus say, ‘Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.’ And he said to the man, ‘Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.’

 Reflection
This passage highlights the distinction between receiving a blessing and recognizing the Giver. While ten lepers were physically cleansed through their obedience, only one—a Samaritan—returned to offer praise. His gratitude turned a physical cure into spiritual salvation. We often cry out in distress but neglect the "return journey" of thanksgiving once the crisis passes. Like the lone leper, we are called to look beyond the gift to the heart of the Healer, letting our gratitude complete our faith.

 Reflection Question
When God answers your prayers, do you quickly move on to the next request, or do you consciously make the "return journey" to rest at the feet of Jesus in gratitude?

 Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the countless ways You heal and sustain us, even when we are unaware of Your grace. Forgive us for the times we take Your mercy for granted. Teach us to live with the heart of the Samaritan, always returning to Your feet with a joyful voice of praise. Amen.

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