Only One of the Cleansed Lepers Returns to Give Thanks

This meditation is based on a passage for November 17, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Luke 17:11-19

Reflection and Question: Here is yet another story like John 4 and the Good Samaritan in which Jesus highlights the worth of a person the Jews at that time judged as sinful, unclean and less than. This time, though ten lepers were healed, only one makes the effort to thank Jesus. And that one was a Samaritan. That this lesson is repeated so many times in the Gospels suggests that it was difficult then for the faithful to accept. Since we don’t care about Samaritans any more, we need to ponder whom we treat in that same way now and repent. Who do you treat as unclean and unworthy? Are they really?

Prayer: Blessed Jesus, Your point is well taken that You healed ten lepers but only one, and that a “foreigner,” had the grace to come to You with thanks. May we remember to thank You and may we receive all with love, especially foreigners. Amen.