DAILY- HOMILY

October 13, 2013

28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C

2 K 5:14-17 / Ps 98: 1. 2-3. 3-4 / 2 Tim 2:8-13 / Lk 17:11-19

READINGS

2 Kings 5:14-17

So Naaman went down to the Jordan where he washed himself seven Times as Elisha had ordered. His skin became soft like that of a child and he was cleansed. Then Naaman returned to the man of God with all his men. He entered and said to him, "Now I know that there is no other God anywhere in the world but in Israel. I ask you to accept these gifts from your servant." But Elisha answered, "I swear by Yahweh whom I serve, I will accept nothing." And however much Naaman insisted, Elisha would not accept his gifts. So Naaman told him, "Since you refuse, let me get some sacks of soil from your land—the amount that two mules can carry. I shall use it to build an altar to Yahweh, for I shall not offer sacrifices to any other god but him.

2 Timothy 2:8-13

Remember Christ Jesus, risen from the dead, Jesus, son of David, as preached in my Gospel. For this Gospel I labor and even wear chains like an evildoer, but the word of God is not chained. And so I bear everything for the sake of the chosen people, that they, too, may obtain the salvation given to us in Christ Jesus and share eternal glory. This statement is true: If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; If we endure with him, we shall reign with him; If we deny him, he will also deny us; If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful for he cannot deny himself.

Luke 17:11-19

On the way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed through Samaria and Galilee, and as he entered a village, ten lepers came to meet him. Keeping their distance, they called to him, "Jesus, Master, have pity on us!" Jesus said to them, "Go, and show yourselves to the priests." Then, as they went on their way, they found they were cured. One of them, as soon as he saw that he was cleansed, turned back, praising God in a loud voice; and throwing himself on his face before Jesus, he gave him thanks. This man was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked him, "Were not all ten healed? Where are the other nine? Did none of them decide to return and give praise to God, but this foreigner?" And Jesus said to him, "Stand up and go your way; your faith has saved you."

REFLECTION

It is safe to say that the good things we do are not necessarily acknowledged and thus, gratitude and thanksgiving are not always expressed. There have surely been times when after coming from some local or foreign trip, we bring some goodies for our families and officemates. And, how many among them, assuming that they were informed of that "pasalubong," how many will expend efforts to say a simple "thank you?" Most of our experiences reveal that only a minority express their gratitude. Why is this so? We can try to speculate but it will always remain a mystery. A plausible reason for such seemingly lack of appreciation is that what was given was so insignificant and thus, expressing gratitude is just too much. Or, it is just not worth it to expend efforts to show gratitude. Worse, if the person feels that he/she deserves what was given and thus, there is no need to be thankful.

At times, we cannot help but feel sad. It is not that we want to be appreciated, although we do need it sometimes, but the reality is that the presents, no matter how small, meant that these loved ones and friends were remembered, and in doing so we spent time and effort to get something for them.

Our experience of getting frustrated and a bit dejected is something that Jesus experienced. He healed ten lepers who were ostracized from society, yet only one was grateful enough to go back to Jesus. He was filled with so much joy and enthusiasm that he praised God at the top of his voice. He even showed total reverence and surrender when he prostrated himself at the feet of Jesus, pouring out his gratitude for this wonderful blessing he had just received.

The story of the gratitude that this healed leper expressed makes us remember that probably, in life, it is better to expect less and hope more. We will continue to do the good that we can and are capable of. Whether such goodness will be acknowledged and be thanked for is something that we can simply let go. We do not deny that we feel good when the kindness and goodness we show are recognized, but whether this is acknowledged or not, God knows the goodness done. That should be sufficient consolation as we simply offer all our good efforts for God's glory.

Prayer Requests

We pray …

… for a deep and profound respect for life, especially for the unborn.

… for the speedy recovery and healing of

Nick Lucena

Joy Droke

Ditas dela Paz, Toots Monfort, Virginia Hernandez, and Fleur Torres

… for the personal intentions of

Aaron L.

Julita Fallaria

… for the eternal repose of the souls of

-               Josefina Villafuerte

-               Mike Joseph, Tita Tudik, Bong Lacida, Weng Lacida Yap, Grace Bongalo, Xavier Javier, Jess Garces, Raul Lacida, Nellie Lacida

Eternal rest grant unto them and may perpetual light shine upon them. May they and all the dearly departed rest in peace.

… for all the prayer intentions in the MTQ Dailyprayer Diary.

Birthday: Anie Ang

… for families who are in need of healing

… for world peace and reconciliation.

Finally, we pray for one another, for those who have asked our prayers and for those who need our prayers the most.

Have a good day!

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