October 10, 2010
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
On Friday I received a card from a couple expressing gratitude for witnessing their marriage a year ago. They apologized for not doing it sooner and confessed the "craziness of life got the best of them." I was deeply touched by a belated "thank you." In our Gospel one of ten lepers, a Samaritan, returns to thank Jesus for healing him. Leprosy was much more than a contagious skin affliction. In the ancient world, a visible physical ailment was understood as a manifestation of an inner ill disposition or sin. The leper was isolated from society and, once removed, was unable to worship. Leprosy was a physical, moral, social and spiritual sickness. When the leper comes back, he prostrates himself at the feet of Jesus. Prostration is a profound act of worship. Saturday Tom Roman and Dave Richards prostrated themselves in St. Joseph Cathedral. For them, prostration was an act of humility and prayer to God before Bishop Kmiec ordained them priests. The words of Jesus to the leper: "Get up, go your way. Your faith has saved you" could well be spoken to Tom and Dave as they are consecrated and commissioned for priestly service. St. Paul in our 2nd reading encourages Timothy to serve as pastor. Paul, who is chained in prison, reminds Timothy of God's salvation in Christ. Blessings received must be shared. Gratitude is much more than good manners. Eucharist or Thanksgiving is a profound act of worship and way of living.
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27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
