In Jesus’ time there were a number of reasons an individual could be considered “unclean” and unable to act as a full member of the community. In all cases it was the responsibility of the priest to determine whether a person was “clean” and could once again take their place in society.
Jesus heals ten lepers and sends them to show themselves to the priests. We have seen Jesus heal with signs and symbols and words but in this case He seems to heal simply with a thought and sends them on their way. While making their way to the priests they realize they have been healed. Nine are so locked into law and ritual that they apparently continue on their way while the tenth, a Samaritan, a foreigner, returns to give thanks to the Lord.
There are many lessons for us here, most obviously the importance of gratitude and the willingness to be fearless in what we ask of God. But there is also a subtler lesson about becoming so complacent in our faith that we lose sight of its true meaning.
We must guard ourselves against a spiritual “leprosy” that erodes our faith to the point where we pray by rote and attend mass just because we are supposed to. We go through the motions and forget the meaning. Sometimes it takes an outsider to show us the glory and mystery of what we believe and remind us of the awesome gift and great responsibility that comes from being God’s children.
Pax Vobiscum
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time