Homily: November 12, 2025, Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time (Thankful)

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Holy family school Mass -

 “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?”

Do you know where the other nine went? Can you guess? 

Yes. They went hurriedly and eagerly to show themselves to the priests, as Jesus told them to do.

Why? So that they could be certified clean, and be allowed to go back to their homes, their families and communities. 

In those days, when someone had leprosy, they would be sent away from everyone, they could not go home, school or do any work, they could not even be near to anyone. 

So, when they knew they were healed, they were just too excited to go back home, be with their loved ones and live normal lives again.

It was obviously a miracle because no one can ever be cured of leprosy, and only someone sent by God could perform such a miracle. But did they even realize that Jesus is a holy man sent by God, or think about thanking Him?

No. Just a simple “thank you” would mean that they remembered God was merciful to them.

What about us? Do we also forget to thank God for the good things we have, for the blessings we received?

If you take a moment to think about today, is there something or someone you are thankful for?

For me, I am thankful to be here to celebrate Mass with you, because the last few days I was so sick I had to stay home and could not be out. Every day, I am thankful for my friends, for nice food, for clean air, for the peace to pray and come to school to be with you. I am thankful for being your priest so that I can serve you and share joy with you.

If you stop and look closely at your life, you’ll see so many things you can be thankful for, so many blessings you have received every single day, yes?

Then don’t ever forget to express our gratitude. Let us be like the Samaritan in the Gospel to always remember to thank God and be grateful for the wonderful people in our lives.

Amen.


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