The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Florencio Lagura SVD – New Jersey, USA
Wednesday 32nd Week in Ordinary Time
That particular weekend was demanding and exhausting: two Masses to celebrate in the parish church, confessions to hear, and a round of visits to sick parishioners to administer the Anointing of the Sick and bring them Holy Communion.
Toward noon, I entered the second-to-last house on my list of sick parishioners to visit. As I was saying the prayers in preparation for Communion, I noticed a man in his forties quietly enter the living room and begin working on his laptop. I was quite annoyed, but I tried my best to remain focused on what I was doing.
After the prayers of thanksgiving, the sick parishioner and his wife asked me to say a prayer for Rich, their son. At that point, the man suddenly replied, “You don’t have to, and you cannot do anything for a pig!”
Surprised, I turned to him and said, “But you are not a pig. On the contrary, you are a son of God, and don’t ever forget your dignity.” Scripture reminds us of this dignity: “See what love the Father has bestowed on us that we may be called the children of God” (1 John 3:1).
Unfortunately, my remark stirred up a hornet’s nest, and he engaged me in a heated discussion about the faith. At the end of it, he made the startling remark: “You know what? I am a Jesuit-trained agnostic!”
Before leaving the house, I spoke to the younger man and said, “Rich, I hope and pray earnestly with your parents that one day your heart will be cleansed of all anger and bitterness, and that you will learn to forgive any man of God who may have offended you.” After all, Jesus teaches us,“If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him” (Luke 17:3).
Many of us have been nurtured, formed, and cared for by God’s people, men and women who have dedicated their lives to helping us become worthy sons and daughters of the Father. Yet how often do we return to express our gratitude to those who have helped, formed, healed, and guided us in Jesus’ name?
Today’s Gospel confronts us with precisely this question. Ten lepers cried out, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” and, as they went on their way, they were cleansed. Yet only one returned, glorifying God and thanking Jesus. Jesus then asked, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” (Luke 17:13-17).
Perhaps the Gospel invites us to ask ourselves the same question. We readily remember the wounds inflicted upon us, but do we remember with equal intensity the people through whom God has blessed, formed, healed, and cared for us?
May we learn from the one who returned. Let us not merely receive God’s blessings and continue on our way. Let us also remember to return and give thanks.
