Fr. Rick’s Two-Minute Gospel Reflection for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time C

October 12, 2025, 1 Kings 5;14-17; Luke 17:11-19

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/101225.cfm

Birthdays and Christmas are such joyous occasions, especially for children. My dear mother, may she rest in peace, instilled in me the beautiful tradition of expressing gratitude. She would have me sit down and write thank-you notes to my aunts, uncles, and others who had given me a gift. I had to mention the gift in the card. When I was too little to write, I drew a picture. This act of giving thanks always brought a smile to my face.

That tradition continues today. After my 25th anniversary of ordination, my family gathered around a big table and helped me address thank-you cards to everyone who helped organize the Mass and reception, gave a gift, or supported us in any way. Whew. I’m grateful for all the help I had.

So why is it so important to acknowledge people who have shown you kindness in some way or another? It’s not just about the gift, it’s about the relationship. Personally, I want them to know that they mean something to me. The act of giving thanks is a beautiful way to strengthen our bonds and show that we care.

They gave me a gift out of love and affection, and the thank-you note lets them know that I love them too and appreciate their kindness. The amount of the gift isn’t what is essential. The bottom line is that we matter to each other. The card and the thank-you note are expressions of our intimacy; that is, we care for each other.

Naaman, in today’s first reading, showed his appreciation for his healing from leprosy by his conversion from worshipping false gods to worshipping the one true God of Israel. Let’s take particular notice that only one leper in today’s gospel returned to Jesus to give thanks.

More than saying ‘thank you,’ “he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him.” Falling at the feet of Jesus was a sign of worship. So the two people in today’s readings received something from God that only God could do. Both showed their thanks through worshipping God.

How blessed we are to be given the grace and respond to the grace to show God our thanks by our worship every Sunday in our Eucharistic celebration. The word Eucharist means

Thanksgiving.’ Praise God that we remain faithful to Jesus in our worship every Sunday. What has God done for you that only He can do? What are you asking Him to do that only He can do?

Fall on your knees (if you are able) during the Eucharistic Prayer when Jesus changes bread and wine into His own Body and Blood.

One last note about faithfulness. What about the other nine who didn’t return to thank Jesus? Does Jesus condemn them or judge them? No! He doesn’t. He asks an open-ended question: “Where are the other nine?” It’s as if He is waiting for them to return once they realize Jesus is God.

Many of our brothers and sisters are not with us when we give thanks and fall at the feet of Jesus when He becomes present to us on the altar in His Body and Blood. When anyone is not faithful, Jesus doesn’t cast them off. Paul says in the second reading from 2 Timothy, “If we are unfaithful, He will remain faithful because He cannot deny Himself.

Jesus cannot deny anyone and is ready to welcome anyone who returns to His table and falls at His feet in worship at the Eucharist. We belong to Him, baptized in His death and resurrection. He sees us, all of us, the one who returned and the nine who didn’t, as HIS OWN FLESH AND BLOOD. The Church is the Body of Christ. St. Paul said, Jesus cannot deny Himself.

Like Jesus, we never give up on anyone!

Amen. Praise God. Now, let us continue giving Him thanks.