28th Sunday in Ordinary Time - Year C - An Attitude of Gratitude & “For The Beauty of the Earth”

In many ways this weekend, the Word of God invites us to pause and reflect on three deeply connected themes: gratitude, healing, and the transformative power of faith. In a world full of division, suffering, and uncertainty, these readings remind us how God’s grace works in unexpected ways—and how our response matters.

1. Healing Through Humility and Obedience

In the first reading (2 Kings 5:14-17), we meet Naaman—a powerful military commander, yet powerless over his own illness. His healing begins not with status or wealth, but through the humble words of a servant girl who points him to the prophet Elisha. Naaman's physical healing in the Jordan River mirrors a deeper spiritual transformation. He obeys Elisha’s simple instruction, and through that act of faith-filled obedience, he is made whole. And what is his first response? Gratitude. He returns to declare his faith in the one true God.

Sometimes we resist the simplicity of God’s instructions. We want dramatic signs or instant answers. But like Naaman, we are reminded that healing and transformation often come through simple acts of trust: a prayer said in faith, a decision to forgive, or a small act of love in a broken relationship.

2. Common Suffering, Shared Hope

In the Gospel (Luke 17:11-19), we encounter ten lepers—outcasts forced to live on the margins of society. Leprosy, in those days, wasn’t just a disease—it was a sentence of isolation, shame, and exclusion. What’s striking is this: suffering brought them together. Even Jews and Samaritans, normally bitter enemies, are united by their common need. It’s this shared suffering that leads them to Jesus. They don’t come close. They stand at a distance and cry out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” And Jesus responds—not with touch, but with a command: “Go show yourselves to the priests.” It’s a bold instruction. They are still sick when He tells them to go. Yet they obey—and as they go, they are healed.

There’s a lesson here: sometimes healing happens along the way—as we walk in faith, even before we see the results. Again, one person—a Samaritan—does something remarkable. He returns, falls at Jesus’ feet, and gives thanks. Jesus praises his faith and points out something important: it’s not just his body that has been healed, but his soul has been made whole. Gratitude completes the healing.

3. Faith That Unites and Heals

Jesus’ journey through Samaria and Galilee is no accident. These were places of division and hostility. Jews and Samaritans didn’t mix. Yet Jesus chooses to walk the road that connects them. He becomes the bridge between two worlds, a symbol of unity in a divided world.

This speaks to us powerfully today. Our world is still deeply divided—by politics, race, religion, class. Even in our own families or communities, we experience fractures and walls. The Gospel challenges us: will we be like Jesus, walking the difficult road of reconciliation and healing? Will we be bridges rather than barriers?

4. Living It Today

So how does this all touch our lives?

• Are we open to God working through unexpected people, like the servant girl or the Samaritan?

• Do we truly express gratitude, not just with words, but with lives that give glory to God?

• Are we willing to break down barriers that divide, allowing our shared humanity and faith to bring us together?

Let us be people of obedient faith, of hearts filled with gratitude, and of courage to walk the road of reconciliation— just like Jesus.

We’re honored to share our latest video, “For the Beauty of the Earth”, a beloved hymn written in 1864. Inspired by the breathtaking scenery of Bath, England, its verses reflect deep gratitude for the wonders of nature, the love of family and friends, and God’s countless blessings. Originally composed as a Eucharistic hymn, the lyrics invite us to offer a “sacrifice of praise” for the beauty that surrounds us and the gifts we enjoy each day.

Today, it is sung in churches and homes across Canada and the world—especially during Thanksgiving—reminding us to give thanks for creation and community.

Video can be watched by clicking here or by clicking on the thumbnail below.