Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop, Wednesday of week 32 in Ordinary Time, Gospel: Luke 17:11-19
In today’s Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to thank Him. Jesus asks: “Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they?” This encounter reveals an important truth: gratitude is not simply a beautiful human quality; it is an essential path to growth in discipleship. All ten experienced the healing power of Jesus, but only the Samaritan returned to establish a deeper relationship with Him. The others received the gift and continued their journey, while the grateful man recognized the Giver behind the gift. Jesus tells him: “Your faith has saved you.” Gratitude transforms the experience of receiving God’s blessings into a personal encounter with God Himself. We too receive countless gifts every day: life, faith, relationships, opportunities, forgiveness, and the grace to begin again. Yet we can become so accustomed to these blessings that we take them for granted. Gratitude helps us recognize God’s presence even in ordinary circumstances and teaches us to live with humility, joy, and generosity. Saint Martin of Tours beautifully demonstrated this spirit when he shared his cloak with a poor man, recognizing Christ in someone who needed his help. A grateful heart does not simply appreciate what it has received; it becomes generous in sharing those gifts with others. The message of Christ reminds us that discipleship grows when we move beyond asking God for blessings and learn to recognize, thank, and imitate the One who blesses us. The more grateful we become, the more deeply we recognize God’s love, and the more naturally our lives become an expression of that love. Let’s reflect: Do I merely enjoy the blessings I receive from God, or do I consciously return to Him with gratitude, allowing my thankfulness to deepen my faith and make me more generous towards others?
Don Giorgio