Faith in Christ requires change. For many of us, that means a lot of change. St. Paul alludes to this in the first reading from Titus 3. “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another.” Sounds a lot like me!
Most people are familiar with the story of the Good Samaritan – if not the story then certainly the name. Today we hear the story of what I like to call the other good Samaritan. Only this isn’t a story that Jesus tells. It is a real life encounter. Ten lepers come to meet Jesus and he heals them all. After their healing, only one returns to thank Jesus. He was a Samaritan.
This would be a great challenge for the Jews, as they hated the Samaritans. Yet this man was the only one who showed gratitude. Jesus tells him, “Your faith has saved you.” Perhaps this could be a reminder to us that even people with whom we differ can have great faith. Even if we don’t love them, God does. And his salvation is available to all.
Father, you know that we sometimes have a hard time seeing the good in others. Change our hearts, and help us to love all as you love them. Amen.
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