THE SAVING GRATITUDE

(Reflection for the 28^th Sunday in Ordinary Time Year C 2kg 5:14-17; Ps 98, 2 Tim 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19)

The readings of today talk about healing and gratitude. First Naaman, the Syrian, plunged 7 times into the river Jordan at the words of Elisha and he was cleansed of Leprosy. They Syrian army commander was full of appreciation for what God did for him through the prophet. He testified to the greatness of God, “Now I know that there is no God anywhere on earth except in Israel” (2kg 5:17). He presented gifts to Elisha, who refused to accept. Finally, Naaman pledged his life to worship God, “For I will no longer offer holocaust or sacrifice to any other god except to the Lord” (2kg 5:17).Naaman’s experience reminds us of our baptismal cleansing and the gratitude with which we should offer our lives God. 

A similar story of healing appears in the Gospel of today. Ten lepers met Jesus on his way. They raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Imagine the chorus of their cry. That is the commotion of the ostracized humanity, who are outside the community of the common good. And the yearning of a lonely heart, infected by sin, and cast down from the mountain of grace. Their cry caught the attention of the compassionate Jesus. However loud their cry might be, it remains human. The ten got their healing, which ought to be a symbolic gesture to draw them to a new yearning, rooted in faith, not in their human need. 

Another loud cry resounded. The Samaritan came back, praising God at the top of his voice “and threw himself prostrate at the feet of Jesus and thanked him” (Lk 17:16). The healing evoked another level of faith in him. Like Naaman, he began to testify to the greatness of God, and offered his life to Jesus. By showing gratitude, he went beyond getting what he wanted to accepting the giver of the gift. 

Gratitude singles us out from the common, natural and selfish sentiment and positions us in a unilateral relationship, forming a renewed sense of communion. It brings gladness both to the receiver and the giver of the gift. Appreciating one another builds up confidence, and enhances charity. It uplifts human dignity! Sometimes we take it for granted that we deserve what we receive from one another, even from God. That is why this attitude can sometimes be scarce in the family.  Gratitude requires going out of ourselves and recognizing the sacrifice that brought us the goodness we received. 

That is why the second reminds us never to forget the sacrifice of Jesus: “Beloved, remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead.” We should die with him so as to live and reign with him, for he will never deny us and he is faithful. Therefore, the Holy Catholic Church offers this thanksgiving sacrifice, the Eucharist. In the Eucharist we remember and recognize the sacrifice that cleansed our leprosy! In it we pledge our lives to Jesus as Naaman did, bearing witness and praising God with our voices like the Samaritan. We say thank you Jesus as we enter communion with him. In the Eucharist we have the pledge of his constant presence. 

Gratitude is intrinsic to our faith. Yes, faith itself is a gift, and those who receive it are grateful. Without gratitude there is no joy. Without joy there is no love. Therefore, gratitude shines out where love exists. That is why the Eucharist is thanksgiving par excellence. We always receive Jesus with a grateful heart. And He continues to whisper to us, “Stand up and go, your faith has saved you” (Lk 17:19).

Fr Jude Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R

Cathedral of 12 Apostles

Garki, Abuja.

October 9, 2016.