Where are the other nine?

by Gerry Palermo, posted in Uncategorized

Greetings on this the Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Readings: Ti 3:1-7; PS 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6; Lk 17:11-19

Summary

Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”

Reflection

As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan.

Gratitude has been a frequent reflection of late on this blog. The readings lead us to such a conclusion – the necessity for gratitude. But it goes more deeper than that.

The question Jesus had was: Where are the other nine?

Personal Reflection

We could just say that 90% of people do not thank God for his aid. We can then list the possible reasons:

  1. The 90% doubt the dialog exchange “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” was efficacious.
  2. The 90% have nothing to do with priests and the synagogue, the assembly or the school of religion, or even the existence of God.
  3. The 90% perhaps thought it was a transient condition and not actually leprosy.
  4. The 90% believe the servant-hood of God is a requirement, not a grace.

Really, who knows!

Let’s take the question of Jesus a bit more foundational. Where are they?

Consider the first reading the letter to Titus

  1. God has the fullness of kindness and generous love.
  2. God is our savior Jesus Christ.
  3. We have been reborn – saved us through the bath of rebirth.
  4. We have been renewed by the Holy Spirit.

Consider the 23rd Psalm.

  1. Shepherd
  2. Rest
  3. Rest.
  4. A staff of courage.
  5. Food.
  6. Anointing.
  7. Goodness and loving kindness for everyone around me.
  8. Eternal joy.

Why does Jesus want to see the other 9? The 90%. Because their lives would be infinitely better with him than without him.

We, too, should be wondering and looking for the other 90%.

Sacred Readings

Full text: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111324.cfm

First Reading

But when the kindness and generous love of God our savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Responsorial

The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.

Gospel Acclamation (see 1 Thes 5:18)

In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Gospel

As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry

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