In the Gospel (Lk 17:11-19), ten lepers sought healing from Jesus. He
instructed them to go to the priests, to present themselves. And they were
healed as they were going to the priests. This tells that Jesus is the true
source of their healing made possible through the faith of them who seek it.
Healing came not as a reward after completing the task given to them, but as
they were fulfilling it. The healing was achieved in the journey and process,
more than after arriving at the destination or fulfilling the task.
Heaven is our destiny. And most of us look forward to being in God's
presence, with the angels and saints. But we are mistaken if we think that
heaven is only possible after our life here on earth. That destiny is very much
present in our journey. In fact, it is taking place in the here and now. As we
seek it, little by little it is realized among us. That makes heaven present
even here on earth; when we become aware of God's presence among us. After all,
what is heaven if not being aware of God's presence and many blessings to us.
Upon realizing he was healed, the Samaritan leper went home as what the
other lepers probably did too; to be united with their families after being
separated for a long time and to share the great miracle they experienced.
Along his way home, He met again Jesus, as He was in Samaria. That made him realize
who is the true source of his healing: Jesus and his obedience and faith in
Him. And he was profusely thankful to Him. Gratitude is the proper attitude for
all the blessings we receive and for the experience of heaven here on earth.
What is gratitude if not the humility in front of the grandeur and magnanimity
of God towards man; an admission on the part of man that he has nothing that
does not come from the generosity of God? What is gratitude if not giving
credit to God for all the glories and comforts we experience in this life? What
is gratitude if not the proper attitude of those who are homebound; on their
way back to heaven?
Thus, in all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God
for you in Christ Jesus (1 Thes 5:18), for God gave us a thousand reasons to be
thankful for in our journey.
Would you recognize one today?
Would you be that one healed leper who, on his way home, gave thanks to
Jesus?
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