Today’s Gospel begins on the dusty road between Galilee and Samaria, where Jesus encounters ten lepers. They are desperate, isolated, and cut off from their families and communities. They cry out to Him with one simple plea: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” These ten men begin where all true faith begins — with need. They know they cannot heal themselves; they know they need help. Sometimes we imagine that faith is about being strong and self-sufficient, but the truth is just the opposite. Real faith starts when we can humbly admit, “Lord, I need You. I cannot do this on my own.” In their cry for mercy, these lepers remind us that we too must bring our brokenness, our struggles, our wounds, and our sins honestly before Christ.
Then something beautiful happens. All ten are healed as they go on their way — but only one turns back. This man, a Samaritan and an outsider, stops in his tracks, falls at Jesus’ feet, and gives thanks. Gratitude fills his heart and moves him to return to the source of his healing. Gratitude is more than polite manners; it is a position of the soul that recognizes God’s grace and responds with love. So often, we rush on after blessings without pausing to thank the Giver. But gratitude changes us, it deepens faith, softens hearts, and turns healing into relationship. Jesus even points to this difference: “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Gratitude completes the miracle because it draws us closer to Christ Himself.
This Gospel invites us to look honestly at our own lives. Where do we need God right now? What brokenness, worry, or fear do we need to bring to Jesus in prayer? And when, have we been healed or helped but failed to turn back and say, “Thank You, Lord”? Faith grows each time we do both: admit our need and return with gratitude.
As we go forth this week, let’s practice these two holy movements: need and gratitude. Begin each day by naming where you need Christ’s help — be real, be honest. Then, at day’s end, pause to name one blessing and thank Him for it. These two simple acts — humbly asking and joyfully thanking — will keep our hearts close to the Lord and open to His transforming love.