Reflection
In today’s Gospel, we begin reading the third section of Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem (Luke 17:11-18:30). The section focuses on Jesus preparing his disciples for life in the Kingdom of God.
The scene opens with a geographical reference to how Galilean pilgrims often traveled to Jerusalem. They would walk along the border between Galilee and Samaria and into the Decapolis. They would cross the Jordan River near Salim and cross once again near Jericho. Crossing the river gave the pilgrim an Exodus-like dimension. Just as the ancient Israelites crossed the Red Sea and the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land, so too the people in Jesus’ day crossed the river into the land of Judea as they made their way to the city of Jerusalem.
We also pass through the waters of Baptism and enter the Kingdom of God and the New Jerusalem. Like the Samaritan leper, we are cleansed by Jesus. Our attitude in the Kingdom, which we enter by faith, needs to be one of perpetual gratitude. This attitude is closely related to our role as humble servants from yesterday’s reflection. Humble service to our Lord is the visible evidence of our faith in action. Our attitude of gratitude, like the leper who returned to Jesus, motivates us to return each Sunday to give Jesus our thanks, praise and worship.
Life lived in response to the salvation won for us by Jesus is far more joyful than our selfish searching for worldly pleasures. Let us go forth with joy in participating in the salvation of the world!
Today’s Question for Prayer and Reflection
Where does gratitude for the universal grace of God fit into your plan as a humble servant?
Source for today’s reflection: https://epriest.com/reflections/view/3245