Today’s Gospel calls us to gratitude and the transformative power of recognizing God’s blessings in our lives. We read the story of the ten lepers who cried out to Jesus for help, and were healed. Yet, only one returns to give thanks. Jesus notices this and asks, “Were not all 10 made clean? Where are the other nine?” He then says to the grateful man, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” All 10 received a physical healing, but only the grateful one received something more; salvation – “your faith has saved you."
Gratitude is not just a matter of good manners; it is an act of faith. When we give thanks, we acknowledge God as the source of every good gift. The leper who returned did not just express personal thanks, he recognized that the healing came from God, and his heart overflowed in praise.
How often do we, like the nine, take our blessings for granted? We pray for help in times of trouble, but do we remember to return in thanksgiving? Each day, God showers us with countless gifts: health, family, friendship, faith, forgiveness. Sometimes, the greatest blessings are the ones we notice least.
As Christians, we are called to cultivate a spirit of gratitude. This does not mean ignoring life’s hardships and challenges, but seeing God’s presence even in the midst of difficulty. Like the Samaritan leper, we are invited to recognize God’s work not only when prayers are answered our way, but in every circumstance.
Gratitude transforms us. It opens our eyes to the goodness of God and keeps us humble, reminding us that all we have is gift. It deepens our faith, strengthens our hope, and fills our hearts with joy, even when life is challenging. When we live gratefully, we become witnesses to others, drawing them to the love of Christ. As we look forward to our Fall Festival on October 26, let’s come together to express our gratitude to God for His bountiful blessings
God is Good, All the Time!
Father Tony Udoh, MSP Pastor of Holy Family
