Sunday 13 October 2019 – Gratitude
Sunday 13 October 2019 – Gratitude

Sunday 13 October 2019 – Gratitude

 Bible Reading: Luke 17:11-19 

Dear Friends 

Occasionally, the way one translates a word from the Greek in which the New Testament was originally written makes a significant difference. This week’s gospel reading in Luke 17:11-19 is one of those times. 

Notice that all ten are made well. All ten of the lepers, that is, did just what they were told they went to the priests as Jesus commanded and along the way they were made well. But one noticed. And, seeing what had happened, he turned back to give thanks. He simply could not continue without offering a word of gratitude. 

Noticing seeing grace does that; it draws you beyond the confines of your usual and normal preoccupation with the details, challenges, and responsibilities of the day and lifts you outward, eager to connect with others, glad to offer thanks. 

The line that was probably the most surprising to Jesus’ original audience was that the one who noticed and turned to give thanks was a Samaritan, one of those routinely despised by Jesus’ contemporaries. But the line that might puzzle us is the last one, when Jesus says, “your faith has made you well.” Is he not already well? 

Ah, but here is where the Greek comes in, as the word we translate “well” can also be translated “whole” and even “saved.” Your faith that is, the act of noticing and responding to grace has made you whole, has saved you from the ordinary and humdrum and the mundane and perhaps even the mortal and ushered you into a realm of grace and gratitude. 

Noticing grace, seeing goodness, paying attention to healing, stopping to take in blessing… These are such small things…and yet make all the difference. 

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