their distance, they called to him, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” Then Jesus said to them,
“Go and show yourselves to the priests.” Now, as they went their way, they found they were
cured. One of them, as soon as he saw he was cleansed, turned back praising God in a loud
voice, and throwing himself on his face before Jesus, he gave him thanks.
This man was a Samaritan.
Then Jesus said, “Were not all ten healed? Where are the other nine? Was no one found to
return and give praise to God but this alien?” And Jesus said to him, “Stand up and go your
way; your faith has saved you.”
Reflect
Time and again Scripture reminds us that God’s ways are not our ways. While we divide
enemies from friends and the powerful from the powerless, extending favor to our friends
and those with power, influence, or wealth, God acts by very different standards.
In the first reading, God has a stern warning for those who have power and authority.
He lets them know that they will be judged severely if they do not exercise that
authority in accord with God’s laws. Their earthly power will not shield them from God’s
day of judgment. In fact, they will be judged even more strictly since great responsibility
accompanies their power. If they use this power to enrich themselves and abuse the
vulnerable, they will be punished. Those who judge justly and lift up the poor and
the lowly will be counted with the saints. Let us pray for all those in authority that they
will seek God’s wisdom as they make decisions.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023