St. Mary's Catholic Church of Tomahawk, WI

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

We are on the twenty eighth ordinary Sunday of year C. The first reading describes the miraculous healing of Naaman from his leprosy, by obediently following prophet Elisha’s instruction. His response to his healing was threefold. First, returning to thank Elisha, second, recognizing the power of God, third, recognizing that the land he stood on was holy ground. How many times have we received God’s healing touch in our lives? Did we realize and recognize the power of God in those moments and remain grateful?

The second reading tells us that the foundation of our hope as Christians is the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This reveals to us the redemptive suffering which we endure, by which we will rise from the dead and live eternally rejoicing in God’s presence. However, our heavenly reward is not guaranteed simply by being baptized, we need to continue to persevere in our faith. Does our faith turn our attention to the needs of others rather than focusing on our own hardships?

The Gospel passage tells us about the healing of the ten lepers by Jesus. The Lord offers them a simple command which they obey and they are healed before they complete the entire command. It is their faith in the Lord’s words which healed them. One of the healed ten lepers, who was a Samaritan, returned to Jesus to thank him, loudly glorifying God along the way. Are we not receiving God’s abundant mercy, gifts and healing in our lives? Do we try to return to Him to express our gratitude? Do we consider going to Sunday Mass as an obligation or do we go with love and gratitude to God for His blessings?

Fr. Aloysius Royan Anthony