In our reading from Luke 17:11-19, only 1 person healed of leprosy comes back to thank Jesus. The other 9 continue on their hurried journies to the priests, seeking to be declared clean. The other returns, before he rejoins them. Jesus praises him for his action. He declares him healed, not because of any words from the priests, but because of his trust in God’s promises.
It doesn’t seem at first that the other 9 are doing anything wrong. They are only going where Jesus told them to go. No one would blame them for wanting to get the religious stamp of approval as quickly as possible, so that they might resume normal life again.
Still, when we realized we have received a gift from God, do we stop to thank the Creator for it? Or, do we just use it as quickly as possibe, get on with life? I believe that Jesus tells us here that in the midst of life, we can still stop and offer thanks. It might be extravagant or it might be known only in our hearts. However we express it, we remember who is in charge, whom we honour, whom we turn to in good as well as bad.
To God be all honour, now and for ever. Amen
