Gospel for October 9 2022 – Luke 17:11-19
Gospel Reflections for October 9 2022
A better way of saying thank you…
Jesus had a different way of saying Thank you than we do today.
You might find it can offer a new view of your life as well, perhaps especially now with so much dramatic economic and political news in the Ukraine and in our own country.
The ancient word for thanks was towdah. It’s just one word, just as our English word thanks is one word.
However, in ancient times it was not enough to simply say that one word, towdah. Instead, you would say out loud all the things a person did for you for which you are grateful. You might say, Thanks …for helping me plow my field …or for lending me some food, etc.
Since praise was always given in public, that also enhanced your friend’s reputation as a generous person, a nice thing to do out of gratitude!
However, it can also help you in a profound way as well. By listing all the good things that have come your way, it can help put your own life in a more accurate perspective.
Every life is actually a mix of both good and bad things that happen each day, e.g., you got to work on time, but then lost a big sale. Unfortunately, we often only remember the bad events …and forget the good. Including the good events gives you a more accurate and balanced view of your life.
This ancient way of saying Thank you is the same as our modern practice of Counting your blessings. You acknowledge the good things that have come your way and not just the bad.
That can also remind you of any bad things that …are not happening, e.g., your car is not broken, or you are not sick. Knowing both the good and the bad is the beginning of wisdom.
One person in today’s Gospel returns to Jesus to give thanks. I am sure he realized all the things that he can now do because of his new health. He counted his blessings out loud to Our Lord and to the nearby crowd. He received an even deeper healing than just physical health.
There is an ancient practice of saying a thanksgiving prayer to God first thing in the morning.
Beginning tomorrow, how about listing in detail all that is going well and also any bad things that are not happening. It can make for a much happier day.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Dear Father Dave,
An interesting concept and a different way to begin a new day.
My list would be so long that I’d probably have to do dittos or the morning would soon be afternoon!!!!!
We have family who own a home on Sanibel Island. Please pray for them and all the other families who have suffered the devastation of Ian.
Thanks so much.
God bless!
Kathleen
How great to have a long list! Yes, my prayers for your friends on Sanibel Island in Florida.
I find it interesting that the one returning cured Leper is a Samaritan and not of the Jewish Faith. Jesus taught us ro love our neighbor and he cures people regardless of Race , Color or Creed. Diversity is interesting and a pleasure to get to know others that do not fit our own characteristics or culture.
Perhaps we can learn to observe and enjoy those of other likes and dislikes to learn where and why they think the way thet do.
Yes, wise advice. I think that good result will happen one person at a time, and you have already started!
Yes Fr Dave a very great way to start our day..
Thank you for the extra reminder of our many
Blessings we do have! God Bless!
The best way to start the day!
If life gives you scraps, make quilts. Although the circumstances of our life may only be scraps,
sometimes we can incorporate them into some-
thing beautiful.
Thank-You for all of your joyful and meaningful gospel reflections!
Great analogy. I will pass that on to our staff member who sows beautiful quilts!