Daily Reflections by Cathy
November 13, 2019 Reflection -Thank God for all the graces which God has given you.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
Dear Family of Mary!
Today’s Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
As Jesus 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.” (Luke 17:11-19)
Only 1 out of 10 is not a very good showing. Only one leper returned to thank Jesus. The other 9 went dutifully to the priests to show them they were healed and to be allowed back into Hebrew society. But they didn’t return to thank their healer. Maybe that process of rejoining society was so wonderful that they just forgot about Jesus. And maybe the Samaritan who would never be let back into Hebrew society had nowhere else to go? And so, he came back to Jesus, knowing from whence his healing came.
It is very easy to think that the good things that happen to us come from others, like our family, our coworkers, our friends, etc. But ultimately all that we have and are comes from God. It seems important to not let our personal relationships or societal relationships cloud our thinking. Everything is from God and we can’t earn any of it. It is free gift, given from our loving Creator. So, like the Samaritan Leper, let’s return to Jesus, constantly. Let’s fall at His feet and give thanks for everything!
Here are five messages from Our Lady that speak eloquently about giving thanks to God. We could use them as meditation during a Rosary today.
October 3, 1985 “Dear children! I wish to tell you to thank God for all the graces which God has given you. For all the fruits thank the Lord and glorify him! Dear children, learn to give thanks in little things and then you will be able to give thanks also for the big things. Thank you for having responded to my call.”
Cathy Nolan
©Mary TV 2019