From The Bishop

The Readings for the 28^th Sunday of Ordinary Time focus on the theme of thanksgiving. In the Gospel of St. Luke ten lepers are healed by Jesus and only one returns to give thanks. In the Second Reading from 2 Kings a man named Naaman is also cured of his leprosy. He has come from Aram (Syria) to seek healing from the prophet Elisha. He is told to go to the River Jordan and to wash seven times. Naaman is healed and returns to the home of the prophet Elisha to offer his gratitude. It seems that he is grateful for more than just being cured of his leprosy. He states, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth, except in Israel; please accept a present from your servant.” Naaman is grateful for the gift of faith. The Catechism of the Catholic Church states, “Faith is a gift of God, a supernatural virtue infused by him” (153). Last Sunday the Apostles asked Jesus to increase their faith. This Sunday we are reminded to be grateful when that increase happens. How often have we thanked God for the gift of our faith? On Monday we will be celebrating Thanksgiving. Hopefully many will take the time to give thanks to God for their blessings including the gift of faith. When we do this we will be more like the Samaritan and Naaman who clearly had an attitude of gratitude.