PRAY SV: October 13, 2019
“Look at us! We’re all healed! A miracle!” They were running with restored energy to show the priests what this man Jesus had done. He hadn’t even touched them – of course he wasn’t supposed to – since their horrible skin condition identified them as sinners.
One of them turned and ran back to where Jesus was just inside the entrance to the village. “Praised be God!” he shouted. He looked up at Jesus with prayerful thanks in his eyes.
One onlooker turned to another. “A Samaritan? Jesus healed a Samaritan? I don’t understand.” His companion paused a bit, then… “Do you remember what we heard in the temple a few weeks ago? About Naaman being cleansed and vowing never to worship any god but our God?” I wonder – will the others also go back and thank Jesus?”
Our society is not totally safe, is it? Danger takes many forms – illness and disease, accidents, the harm that comes from others’ ill-will. But can I recall the ways in which the Lord has kept me safe, kept me faithful? Does the thanks I express go beyond words to acts that help live more in touch with others’ needs?
For what and to whom ought I offer thanks today?
Here is a simple prayer from the Book of Sirach that we can carry with us today. “I give you thanks, Lord and King. I praise you, God my savior!”
Saint Viator High School
Located in Arlington Heights, IL, Saint Viator High School is a private, co-ed, Catholic school for grades 9-12. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine and performing arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.