Homily: October 12, 2025, Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time (Gratitude)

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 “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”

This Gospel acclamation perfectly captured the heart of today’s readings – ‘give thanks’. We heard the story of the ten lepers who were healed, but only one Samaritan returned to give thanks. That small act of gratitude was the key to his salvation.

As I grew older, I also became more grateful. There were many things I didn’t appreciate when I was younger. I didn’t know how to appreciate the simplicity of my family’s life, the way my parents disciplined us, the schools my parents chose for us, all the church activities they made us attend, and many more. But decades later today, I looked back and realized my parents knew what was best for us, and I am now grateful. The siblings I used to fight with often are now my greatest blessings and closest friends.

I sometimes wish I had been more thankful, more kind, more obedient. Gratitude makes relationships stronger and life more joyful. But even on hindsight, a grateful heart transforms memories. We do not simply recall what happened in the past, but with a thankful heart, we are able to see God’s hand in what we once failed to understand or appreciate. The memories become beautiful and meaningful.

In today’s Gospel, all ten lepers were healed. Imagine their suffering before that moment: isolation, rejection, unable to live with their families or enter the temple. Their relationships with loved ones, friends and even God were broken. They lived in loneliness and often despair. While they would hope to live normal lives again, they knew it was hopeless.

Then Jesus came along and healed them! It was a miracle they probably did not even dare think about. It was a miracle only God can perform, and they would know it was not something from mere humans. Yet only one outsider to the faith, a Samaritan, appreciated that amazing act of God, made effort to turn back to his healer who must be from God, fell at Jesus’ feet in humility, possibly feeling unworthy of having received the miraculous healing, and gave thanks. This act speaks so much faith, and sincerity.

And Jesus rewarded him saying, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” All ten were healed but only one was saved.

The other nine returned to their place in the community, life probably was back to normal. But the Samaritan got something more. He didn’t get back his old life; he got a new life, and he won eternity. Gratitude led him to salvation. By giving thanks, he entered a personal relationship with God.

So, what about us? Do we only seek God’s gifts, but forget the giver? Do we want just to be healed, or do we want to be saved?

 “In all circumstances give thanks.”

When things go well, or even when things don’t make sense, in moments of big gains, or even in moments of loss. Gratitude opens our eyes to God’s presence in every situation of life.

So let us pause and look deeper into our life. For every breath we take, for health, give thanks. For sunlight, for rain, for clouds, for trees, give thanks. For love, family, friends and community, give thanks. For work, freedom, opportunities, abilities, give thanks. For the sacraments that nourish our souls and affirm our friendship with God, give thanks. For the gift of life and faith, give thanks.

A grateful heart is a humble heart, and God always raises up the humble and fills their life with goodness and greatness. Give thanks. Amen.


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