October 12, 2025: Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Readings: 2 Kings 5:14-17; 2 Timothy 2:8-13; Luke 17:11-19

The readings of this Sunday are about faith, healing, power, gratitude and the fidelity of our God. The first reading from 2 Kings reminds us that at the word of Elisha, a man of God, Naaman, was healed. His transformation led him to proclaim that there is no God except the God of Israel, and to offer great gifts in thanksgiving to Elisha, who continued to refuse his gifts, declaring that the faith of Naaman was sufficient reward for him.

The Responsorial Psalm then declares, “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.” The psalm continues to reveal that God has made his salvation known through wondrous deeds, healing, justice, compassion and faithfulness. Timothy then speaks the phrase we all know, “This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him. If we persevere, we shall also reign with him. But if we deny him, he will deny us. (and then the punch line): If we are unfaithful, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny himself.” Our God is faithful!

Alleluia, alleluia: “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Jesus Christ.” Our alleluia leads us into the Gospel for today from Luke about one who gave thanks to Jesus for his healing and then, for whatever reasons, others that did not. Luke tells us that the Samaritan, the stranger, was the only one of ten to return and give thanks to Jesus for his cure of leprosy. We are shocked and disappointed that the others, at least more of them, did not return to thank Jesus. Why?? I’m wondering if most of us automatically identify with the Samaritan, the grateful leper? I’m thinking we just might! But, are we among the ungrateful now?

I was struck by the possibility that I really was one of them! We know that gratitude is a core attitude/value/activity for those who are happier, healthier, more hopeful, more resilient, less anxious and in healthier relationships and families. Who knew that “In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Jesus Christ.” A strong mandate, and warning, that we dare not take the opportunities to be grateful for granted. We know now, if we didn’t know before, that rising with a prayer of gratitude, and recognizing all the gifts of the day before we close our eyes at night, can raise our awareness of how we are blest that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Action

This Sunday’s readings have wonderful examples of faith, power, gratitude, fidelity and healing. Plan each day this week to examine “all circumstances” as opportunities for giving thanks to our God and the people and events that deserve it — and yes, perhaps — even ourselves. Amen.