Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time, C

            II Kings 5: 14-17

            Ps. 98

            II Thessalonians 2: 8-13

            Luke 17: 11-19

The connection between the readings today is the cure of leprosy.  In the First Reading, the prophet Elisha cures the Syrian official Naaman.  After much protesting, Naaman does as he was instructed by the prophet, and is cleansed of his leprosy.  [When this story is read during the weekday lectionary in Lent, it is used as a type of baptism.]  Despite the fact that he was an outsider, a Gentile, God had mercy on him—in fact, Jesus refers to this unusual gesture in Luke 4:27.  The outsider is the unusual one in the Gospel today, too—Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him; the one who returns is a Samaritan.  Truly, as the Responsorial Psalm declares, “The Lord has revealed to the nations (goyim—Gentiles) His saving power!”  God’s power in Christ is not restricted only to one group of people; it is for all in need of God’s mercy.  In both readings, the notion of gratitude is also dealt with.  It is important, however, to notice that God’s gifts are not conditional; they are not removed because we prove to be ungrateful.

The Second Reading continues our exploration of Second Timothy.  Paul, imprisoned, knows that his sufferings are furthering the spread of the Kingdom, and rejoices in his difficulties.  The pericope quotes from what most scholars believe to be an early Christian hymn.  Like the situation at the end of the Gospel, Paul reminds us, “If we are unfaithful, He will still remain faithful; for He cannot deny Himself.”

This hymn is based on today’s Scriptures:

Distraught and leprous, Naaman came

To Jordan, as Elisha said;

Washed seven times and found his flesh

Restored to life, that once was dead.

In latter days, ten lepers came

To seek new health in Jesus' word;

They heard, they followed, then were freed--

But only one with thanks returned.

In wat'ry grave, we each have died

With Christ; and now in Him we live.

Each day is bright with Jesus' grace;

With thankful hearts, our praise we give!

            LM

            no suggested tune