Wednesday 15 November 2023

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Today is Wednesday 15 November, in the 32nd week of Ordinary time.

CalledOut Music sings, ‘Thank You Lord’. Can you make these your own words today?

What shall I say?

Unto the Lord

All I have to say

Is thank you Lord

What shall I say?

Unto my father

Cause All I have to say

Is thank you Lord

Thank you Lord

See all I have to say

Is thank you Lord

For the breath in my lungs

(I thank you Lord)

For the strength in my body

(I thank you Lord)

You're a wonderful father to me

(I thank you Lord)

From the depths of my heart, all I have to say

(I thank you Lord)

What shall I say?

Unto the Lord

All I have to say

Is thank you Lord

What shall I say

Unto my father

Cause all I have to say

Is thank you Lord

Thank you Lord

See all I have to say

Is thank you Lord

Thank you Lord

All I have to say

Is thank you Lord

For the breath in my lungs

(I thank you Lord)

For the strength in my body

(I thank you Lord)

You're a wonderful father to me

(I thank you Lord)

From the depths of my heart, all I have to say

(I thank you Lord)

Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke.

Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’

Have you ever wondered: What does Jesus really want for people? There are clues in this passage.

Physical wellness? – yes; social integration? – definitely; more than that? – it would seem so.

Jesus is dismayed by the nine who do not come back to thank him. How might he feel about the one who does come back? Try and imagine the moment…

This man is in touch with his gratitude, and it makes him want to praise God and thank Jesus personally. Consequently, he receives a second blessing: Jesus looks at him and affirms his faith. This man’s healing is complete! . . .

As you listen again, imagine what is going on for the tenth man . . .

When he returns to his family and community, imagine how he might tell the story of meeting Jesus twice in one day? . . .

In these closing moments of prayer, simply give thanks to God.

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.