66. What is True Healing?

First Reading: Wisdom 6:1-11
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

Today’s Gospel recounts a moving encounter between Jesus and ten lepers. While travelling through a border region, ten people afflicted with leprosy approach Jesus, begging for mercy and true healing.

In response, Jesus instructs them to go show themselves to the priests. This would fulfil the requirements for their reintegration into society. As they go, they are miraculously healed, but only one of them, seeing he’s been cleansed, returns to give thanks to Jesus. Jesus notes the absence of the other nine and commends the one man’s faith, saying, “Your faith has saved you.”

1. Faith and Obedience in the Journey

The lepers, who likely felt isolated and marginalised, called out to Jesus, hoping for a miracle. Jesus’ command to go to the priests, without any immediate sign of healing, required faith and obedience. They trusted in Jesus’ word, even before they saw evidence of His power. This is a reminder that faith often requires us to step out and obey. We obey even when we don’t fully understand or see immediate results.

In our own lives, there are times when we call out to God for help or healing. And sometimes we may not receive an answer right away. Like the lepers, we’re invited to trust and take steps forward in faith. We are invited to believe that God is at work, even when we don’t yet see it.

2. The Importance of Gratitude

Only one of the ten lepers returns to thank Jesus. And this man is a Samaritan—a foreigner, someone considered an outsider by Jewish standards. His gratitude is a striking lesson. While the others experienced healing, it was the Samaritan’s grateful heart that brought him back to Jesus.

Jesus’ response shows that God deeply values our gratitude. When we fail to give thanks, it’s easy to forget the source of our blessings. Then we begin to take them for granted. Gratitude reminds us of our dependence on God and opens our hearts to His grace. By returning to give thanks, the Samaritan experienced a deeper relationship with Jesus—a gift beyond physical healing.

In our own lives, how often do we pause to thank God for our blessings? Whether in big or small ways, God is constantly at work, pouring out grace. Yet, our busy lives or human nature can cause us to overlook these blessings. Today, let’s resolve to recognise God’s goodness and give thanks more readily.

3. The Healing of the Soul

The lepers experienced true Healing. When the grateful leper returned, Jesus said, “Your faith has saved you.” This statement points to a healing that goes beyond the physical—a healing of the soul. His gratitude reflects a profound faith, one that brings him closer to God and allows him to experience salvation.

While all ten lepers were healed physically, only one experienced the fullness of spiritual healing through his faith and gratitude. This teaches us that God desires not just to bless us physically or materially, but to draw us into a deeper relationship with Him.

True healing happens when we are reconciled to God and grow in faith, humility, and thankfulness.

4. Practical Takeaways

Today’s readings call us to reflect on our faith, gratitude, and our relationship with God, which brings true healing. Here are three simple ways to put this message into action:

Embrace Faith and Obedience: Trust in God, even when you don’t see immediate answers to your prayers. Take steps forward in faith, knowing that He is with you.
Practice Daily Gratitude: Make it a habit to thank God each day, recognising the blessings in your life. Gratitude deepens our awareness of God’s presence.
Seek Healing in All Areas of Life: Pray not only for physical needs but also for the grace to grow spiritually and strengthen your relationship with God.

Reflection

What is True Healing? We understand this when we take a look at the Samaritan. Let’s be like the Samaritan, experience true healing. Let’s return to give thanks and experience the fullness of Jesus’ healing.

Let us take time today to recognise God’s goodness, to respond in gratitude, and to deepen our faith in Him.

As we do, we open ourselves to the greater healing that only God can provide. A healing of both body and soul, a healing that leads to true peace and joy.

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