Praise the Lord with Gratitude
(Luke 17:11-16)
Gratitude guides us toward a life that is abundant, joyful, and meaningful. A life without gratitude can be described as a spiritually weakened faith, already bearing the judgment of unhappiness. As Christians, we are called to embrace a life of continual, overflowing thankfulness.

1. The ten lepers
As Jesus traveled toward Jerusalem, He passed through the region between Samaria and Galilee. Upon entering a village, He came across ten lepers (Luke 17:11-12). At that time, lepers were forced to live in isolation, separated from society, and even if they encountered others, they had to keep their distance to avoid being stoned. These lepers, abandoned by both family and community, lived in profound despair. Yet the despair of these lepers mirrors the condition of all humanity, born in sin and destined to die in sin. There is only one who can cure this spiritual leprosy: the true Way, the Truth, and the Life, our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. Have pity on us
When the ten lepers met Jesus, they cried out in loud voices, "Have mercy on us" (Luke 17:13). Moved with compassion, Jesus said to them, "Go, show yourselves to the priests." As they followed His words, they were all cleansed and healed (Luke 17:14). In this way, when Jesus looks upon us with mercy, miracles happen. No matter the struggles or illnesses we face, may we receive the Lord’s compassion and the grace of His word, so that we may witness the mighty works God provides.

3. A life of praise and gratitude
Of the ten lepers who were healed by the Lord’s word, only one?a Samaritan?returned to give thanks (Luke 17:15-16). While the other nine went their own way after being cleansed, this one man returned, glorifying God and offering a sincere confession of gratitude. To him, Jesus said, "Rise and go; your faith has made you well" (Luke 17:19). The sacrifice we are called to offer to God throughout our lives is the sacrifice of thanksgiving and praise (Psalm 50:23). May we, who have been saved by God, continue to glorify Him with gratitude until the end of days, fulfilling our calling as His faithful servants.