28th Sunday of Ordinary Time
2 Kings 5:14–17
Ps. 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19
Faith in Jesus Christ offers salvation. Giving thanks for what is received is the proper response. The Church recognizes that this offer extends beyond those who are already aware of the gift of salvation. It moves from Jews to Gentiles, and through history, from the Hellenistic and Roman worlds to the ends of the earth.
The reality of the covenant with God is a divine reality that is at the same time utterly and completely human. It depends not on what kind of human being one is but rather on the mercy that God offers to all and any who are open to receive it. Faith is the relationship that is open to receive God on His terms.
Faith is a relationship that grows. First there is an openness to the truth that is presented. “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” is the cry of the lepers who have no identity separating them from one another while they are under the mutual bond of their illness, which puts them out of contact with their own societies. Jesus calls for the response required by the people of Jewish heritage: “Go show yourselves to the priests.” All hasten to follow the command. Together they had called Him “Master.” But only one, who now regains his humanity – no longer identified as a leper – comes to offer thanks. The Scriptures state plainly: “He was a Samaritan.” The point is not that the separation is renewed, but that one who did not understand the Jewish approach by belonging to the Jews has been the only one to respond through the new relationship offered to all. “Jesus said in reply, ‘Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?’”
Faith is a relationship between God and human beings as such. It is our response to the One Who created us, the One Who heals us and grants us the gift of salvation. Acknowledging the apparent divisions among us does not take away this deep truth. All human beings of every background and race are called to a relationship with the living God. “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” Faith becomes a universal possibility because God Himself opens the pathway. Opening to mercy’s invitation and being thankful to the One Who shows us mercy is the simple step, whatever our condition may be.
Paul’s highlights his call to be faithful so that others may learn to be open to mercy. “Therefore, I bear with everything for the sake of those who are chosen, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.” The flow of mercy to one individual is intended to continue out to all who encounter the witness given. The movement is both to earthly life and to eternal glory. May we allow this glory to be shared in us!
The assent of faith accepts the Paschal Mystery, which Paul expresses clearly: “This saying is trustworthy: If we have died with him we shall also live with him; if we persevere we shall also reign with him.” Believing in Jesus Christ is not something that narrows our vision. On the contrary, it serves to bring us and all who are part of our sphere of influence into the flow of mercy.
Namaan the Syrian was healed due to his response of faith to the action of Elijah, the prophet of Israel. He was opened to it first by a servant girl who told him the story of the prophet, and then by other members of his retinue who encouraged him to follow the prophet’s command to wash himself in the Jordan. The lepers were all healed by Jesus’ word and they performed the actions required by their faith. The invitation is for all to believe and to allow the connection between heaven and earth that brings salvation.
We are called to open our eyes to see that action of God among us and to become witnesses to God’s healing mercy. May it be said that we live up to this call. “The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.”
Related to: Exaltation of the Holy Cross Year C – Catholic Times: Read Catholic News & Stories