The episode that is recounted in today's gospel passage reminds us of the transforming experience that always awaits when we encounter Jesus. While travelling through Samaria and Galilee on his way to Jerusalem, ten lepers met him on the outskirts of one of the villages (cf Lk 17:11-12). Did these lepers know that Jesus was going to pass by? Saint Luke makes it seem as though this encounter was unplanned. Like them, we also encounter Jesus at moments and in circumstances that we cannot predict or plan.
When they met him, the lepers called out for help: Jesus! Master! Have pity on us! (Lk 17:13). The lepers were not afraid to call out for help, and they were specific about their request. At the time, not only was leprosy a disease that would physically destroy the human body, it also meant that the one who had been diagnosed would be ostracized. Do we bring our troubles and worries to the Lord in such a plain and vulnerable way? Do we trust that he is capable of helping us?
One of the lepers, realizing that he had been healed, returned glorifying God with a loud voice (Lk 17:15-16). It is only natural that we would be overjoyed if we were in the place of the leper. Are we aware of the gift of God's joy in our own lives? Are we ready to share this joy with others and to trust that God will always welcome our attempts at promoting joy and mutual respect?
Have a great day.
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