Today’s Scripture Readings

On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!’ When he saw them, he said to them, ‘Go and show yourselves to the priests.’ And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’

I have a feeling that the diagnostic tools in the time of Jesus were not too sophisticated. God forbid you were prone to eczema, because I have a feeling that you would end up being banished to a life in a leper colony. A life of being ostracised and demonised and most likely contract leprosy from someone when you got there.

So, if someone comes by that you heard might have the power to heal you from your affliction, you would absolutely take a chance on getting close, in the vain hope that a cure might be possible. So that’s what these men risked everything on. The remote possibility that this stranger might free them of their life of social imprisonment. And guess what! Their long shot paid off! In jubilation, they ran, probably to see their loved ones, as well as the priests. And for nine of them, that was it.

But for the other one, he realised the magnitude of what had just happened. That he could live with his family, work, worship, maybe return to his homeland. He threw himself at the feet of his healer and thanked him. Jesus was a bit miffed that the other nine didn’t do the same, and I get those emotions! Feeling taken for granted is horrible.

So, I think there are two things we can learn here: Firstly, be grateful. Especially, for someone who performs an act of service for you. Let them know that their actions have made a difference. Secondly, serve for serving’s sake. Not for the appreciation or the ‘glory’ but in knowing that you made a difference. That you put someone else’s needs ahead of your own. The road we are travelling isn’t always an easy one, so let’s lend a hand where we can. Rise and go.