Today's scripture readings from both second kings and the gospel invite us all to reflect on how we respond to God's saving deeds. In each of these readings we find someone who recognizes the goodness and the healing power of God in their life and gives thanks. In the first instance we hear about Naaman who was a man of high regard in his native land and at the suggestion of his servant girl and with the permission of his master he went to Israel, where he would be considered a rival foreigner, to be cleansed of his leprosy. Although he thought the directions given to him by Elisha the prophet was strange, he followed the encouragement of other believers in God and was cleansed. “His flesh became again like the flesh of a little child, and he was clean of his leprosy” (2 Kings 5:14). Naaman's response was one of belief in and gratitude for God
In the gospel from Luke, we are told of 10 men who, upon seeing Jesus, call out to him and ask for pity. Jesus's response is pretty simple: “go show yourselves to the priest.” As the ten were obeying this command, “they were cleansed”. But one man who was a Samaritan returned to Jesus and glorified God. There could be a lot said about each of these stories but what the text tells us is quite clear. Not every person will respond to the invitation to trust in God but even those who do will respond in different ways when God delivers. In both of these scripture readings, the individuals who received their cleansing were foreigners, not men of Israel. Yet both of them returned to express their gratitude and their recognition of the goodness of God.
With an honest reading of these passages, it should seem strange the people who should not have been healed were granted that grace, and the ones who should have given thanks did not. Are we not all part of the Kingdom of God? Do we all not receive countless blessings from our gracious God every day? Are not some of our greatest blessings in our parish community, those who give so much of themselves to others?
This is why our Pastoral Council on behalf of our parish, host Donum Gratiae every November. It is a time for all to gather together for an evening of celebration with good company, good food and drink and to honor and give thanks to three of our members who have blessed so many others.
Who are those people in your mind who have been a blessing to our parish? Who has been a pillar of our community for decades and has given of themselves in many ways throughout the years? That person might be great to nominate for the Mary Ruscha award. Who is someone who gives so much to our parish? A true model of stewardship through their gifts of time, talent, and treasure, and might be a wonderful choice to receive the St. Benedict Stewardship Award? Who has been a defender and promoter of our Catholic faith by their support of Catholic education and Catholic thought, who could be recognized with the Dorothy Flannery Award?
Please turn in your nominations by October 20 and reserve your spot to join us for a great evening to celebrate the Gift of Thanks on November 15.
God Bless,
