The gospel reading today is from Luke 17:11-19 (USCCB version).
As he continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee.
As he was entering a village, ten lepers met [him]. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!”
And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed.
And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.
Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?
Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
This passage shows us Jesus was pleased when the “foreigner” returned to thank Him. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are instructed to give thanks in all circumstances. How much time do we spend thanking God every day?
Throughout the most difficult times in my life, I have experienced the power of giving thanks to God daily. Doing so helps to put life’s difficulties in their proper perspective.
Father, I thank You for everything You have given me. I am especially thankful for my life and faculties. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Help me to trust in Your perfect will. May I never be ungrateful no matter the circumstances. Amen.