Only one of
the ten lepers in this story returns to Jesus to give thanks for his
healing, and Jesus commends him. Does this mean we should condemn the
nine who did not? Was Jesus wasting his time and God’s grace when he
healed all ten, with no strings attached? Should he have revoked the
healing of the other nine, to teach them (and us) a clear, unambiguous
lesson about the importance of showing gratitude?
I believe the answer to all these questions is no. Like other stories from Luke that we have read in recent weeks, this Gospel lesson shows the amazing inclusiveness of Jesus’ love. Instead of shunning lepers or pretending not to see them, Jesus pays attention to them and responds to their needs. He doesn’t ask questions first about their nationality or orthodoxy of belief or personal morality, or demand that they perform acts of devotion afterward. He simply heals them all-- the nine who did not come back to praise God as well as the one who did. Jesus doesn’t limit his loving care to those who seem to deserve it.
The inclusiveness and patience of Jesus’ love makes me wonder if we worry too much about distinguishing “worthy” from “unworthy” recipients of assistance in food pantries, shelters, and welfare programs. Are any of us really worthy of the blessings we have received from God? It’s easy to recognize myself in the nine lepers who didn’t show their gratitude for God’s gifts. And yet He hasn’t given up on me– or on any of us. Can we stop giving up on each other? Can we become so grateful for our own blessings that we can even give thanks for the blessings bestowed on “the undeserving”?
I believe the answer to all these questions is no. Like other stories from Luke that we have read in recent weeks, this Gospel lesson shows the amazing inclusiveness of Jesus’ love. Instead of shunning lepers or pretending not to see them, Jesus pays attention to them and responds to their needs. He doesn’t ask questions first about their nationality or orthodoxy of belief or personal morality, or demand that they perform acts of devotion afterward. He simply heals them all-- the nine who did not come back to praise God as well as the one who did. Jesus doesn’t limit his loving care to those who seem to deserve it.
The inclusiveness and patience of Jesus’ love makes me wonder if we worry too much about distinguishing “worthy” from “unworthy” recipients of assistance in food pantries, shelters, and welfare programs. Are any of us really worthy of the blessings we have received from God? It’s easy to recognize myself in the nine lepers who didn’t show their gratitude for God’s gifts. And yet He hasn’t given up on me– or on any of us. Can we stop giving up on each other? Can we become so grateful for our own blessings that we can even give thanks for the blessings bestowed on “the undeserving”?
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