Ten Leapers – Reflection on Luke 17:11-19
Being grateful to God cannot be understated. As one of the potential ten leapers prostrating and asking for healing in prayer, we should also include “the other nine leapers” who are not grateful. You have likely witnessed a situation when care was provided by a professional, and the person on the receiving end did not acknowledge the effort. While upsetting, these experiences can teach us to be grateful and to pray with Jesus for help in healing, even those who are not appreciative. We can privately thank the medical people involved and silently pray on behalf of those involved. Christ is joy-filled when we return to the source of grace for others in gratitude and praise.
Healing of the Lepers at Capernaum by James Tissot (full resolution image of painting)
More details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Luke 17:11-19 – Scripture*
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
11 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel reading and considering this Lectio Divina Luke 17:11-19 Reflection – Ten Leapers.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections of the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative payer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities experience your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has written permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Luke 17 Bible passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Primary Lectio Divina word or phrase: Ten Leapers
Page and discussion group on Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.