They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” (Lk 17:12-13). They raised their voices and asked Jesus to have pity on them. Did the ten seeking a healing all call in unison? Did one shout out first and then each, not wanting to be left out, all call out? Did their calling reach a fever pitch? Luke is not specific as to how they called out but that all of them did. Jesus then healed the their leprosy with his word, they began to praise God and may have walked away in even a more joyful raucous than their calling for their healing. Yet one, a Samaritan, after realizing he was healed, returned to thank Jesus.
It is a good practice to spend some time each day to reflect on what we are thankful for. To see where God has entered our lives and provided assistance. At times when we feel a bit down and out, or in a bit of a funk, often the reason may be that we are focusing, on what we do not have instead of on what we do have. There is a quote, I am not sure of the source, that goes: “I cried because I had no shoes, and then I came upon a man with no feet.” We can be so bombarded by the mass appeal to the material, that we forget the truly important realities of this life and the many blessings that we have been given.
Today is Thanksgiving Day in the U.S., unless you are reading this the night before. Thanksgiving is a time of family coming together, which hopefully will be as joy filled as those lepers walking away realizing that they are healed. But with the promise of such gatherings, there is all the cleaning, setting up and the prep for the big dinner, clean up and breaking down, the travel, unresolved issues, as well as the wonderful gifts of diverse personalities and points of view. Making time to periodically stop and take a few breaths can make a big difference in how the day is played out. A moment of quiet may help us to be like the Samaritan leper who when realizing that he was healed, was thankful. Slowing down a bit, might just help us to appreciate each other a bit more and grumble a little less.
As Jesus reminds us, we do not know the time or the hour. Life is finite and fragile in the best case scenarios. We will not be here forever nor will the ones we love. November is a time in the Church when we remember those who have joined the communion of saints as well as those on the way. This is especially true for those of us today who have lost a loved one. And since becoming a priest, I have been blessed to walk with around forty who will no longer be celebrating Thanksgiving this side of heaven. My prayer is that they and JoAnn are now home with God.
May each of us remember those who have gone before us and be thankful for the time that we have had together, while at the same time, appreciate those still in our lives. May we allow the warm embracing arms of our loving God and Father to embrace us in a moment or two of silence so that we can remember that we are never alone, that God cares for each and every one of us, and as we grow closer to him, we grow closer to each other.
Life is a precious gift that God has given, and it helpful to appreciate every moment. May we be thankful for our lives and the lives of those near and far that we are blessed to call family and friends. May we also remember and pray that the Holy Spirit may provide comfort and aid for those who are alone, struggling, or without family, food and/or a home this day.
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Photo: One of my favorite pictures at my maternal grandparents for Thanksgiving. I miss all three of them and am grateful for our time together. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Spiritual Stepping Stones 