28th Sunday in Ordinary time, 09/10/2022, Lk 17, 11-19
An endearing feature of Jesus was his ability to find teaching elements in everyday life. In curing the lepers, he noticed that a Samaritan came back to thank him. Jesus not only taught us how to be dignified and holy but he lived it. He also shows us that it is not necessary to be good to receive his blessing or his healing, even an enemy or someone who has turned against him, will still be helped if they have faith and turn to him.
Last month we worked and prayed for creation, seeking ways to allow it to heal itself. It is never too late to stop the downward spiral we now face. Nor is it an exaggeration to see ourselves as the enemy of creation. Unlike lepers, we seem to want to destroy ourselves. Let’s be ever more earnest in providing the conditions necessary for creation to heal itself. Jesus told the lepers to show themselves to the priests. Jesus tells us that, if we work harder for creation, he will provide the healing we need which, at the moment, lies beyond our power. Jesus did not let down the lepers. He will not let us down if we have faith and act more positively.
Maybe, just maybe, creation is crying out to help us!!
The Journey (David Whyte)
Above the mountains the geese turn into the light again
Painting their black silhouettes on an open sky.
Sometimes everything has to be inscribed across the heavens
so you can find the one line already written inside you.
Sometimes it takes a great sky to find that
first, bright and indescribable wedge of freedom in your own heart.
Sometimes with the bones of the black sticks left when the fire has gone out
someone has written something new in the ashes of your life.
You are not leaving. Even as the light fades quickly now, you are arriving.
by Fr Thomas O'BRIEN aa