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| VILLA ALESSA - FRONT PARKING CONCRETING November 15, 2020 |
"Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
LUKE 17:18-19
This quote shows the power of faith and gratitude in the healing process. Jesus did not heal the leper because he was a Samaritan, but because he had faith in him. The leper also recognized the source of his healing and gave glory to God, unlike the other nine who did not return. Jesus affirmed that his faith had not only healed his body, but also his soul. He was saved from his sin and alienation from God. (Microsoft Bing)
As Jesus continued His journey to Jerusalem He traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As He was entering a village, ten lepers met Him. They stood at a distance from Him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when He saw them, He said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing He had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then He said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Luke 17:11-19)
This quote has been used by various Christian leaders and writers to inspire people to trust in God’s mercy and to express their thankfulness for His blessings. For example, Pope Benedict XVI used this quote in his message for the 20th World Day of the Sick in 2012, to highlight the importance of the sacraments of healing, such as Penance and Reconciliation, Anointing of the Sick, and Eucharistic Communion. He said that these sacraments express and actuate the closeness of God, who helps us to bear our sufferings and wishes to heal us in the depths of our hearts. (Microsoft Bing)
Hear, O kings, and understand; learn, you magistrates of the earth’s expanse! Hearken, you who are in power over the multitude and lord it over throngs of peoples! Because authority was given you by the Lord and sovereignty by the Most High, who shall probe your works and scrutinize your counsels! Because, though you were ministers of His kingdom, you judged not rightly, and did not keep the law, nor walk according to the will of God, terribly and swiftly shall He come against you, because judgment is stern for the exalted: for the lowly may be pardoned out of mercy but the mighty shall be mightily put to the test. For the Lord of all shows no partiality, nor does He fear greatness, because He himself made the great as well as the small, and He provides for all alike; but for those in power a rigorous scrutiny impends. (Wisdom 6:1-8)
To you therefore O princes are My words addressed that you may learn wisdom and that you may not sin. For those who keep the holy precepts hallowed shall be found holy, and those learned in them will have ready a response. Desire therefore My words; long for them and you shall be instructed. (Wisdom 6:9-11)
Defend the lowly and the fatherless; render justice to the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the lowly and the poor; from the hand of the wicked deliver them. I said: “You are gods, all of you sons of the Most High; yet like men you shall die, and fall like any prince.” (Psalm 82:3-4, 6-7)
Pericope:
V: The Journey to Jerusalem: Luke's Travel Narrative
THE CLEANSING OF TEN LEPERS
Luke 17:11-19
I: The Reward of Justice
EXHORTATION TO SEEK WISDOM
Wisdom 6:1-11
Third Book of Psalms 73-89
THE DOWNFALL OF UNJUST GODS
Psalm 82:1-8