Deacon Matt's Reflection

Reflection for 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time: October 9, 2022
 
2 Kings 5:14-17:  Notice three characteristics of Elisha’s miraculous interventions: 1. Like Jesus’ miracles, no one is excluded. Miracles are wrought for the rich, the poor, the powerful and the disadvantaged. 2. The nature of the miracles or the way they are performed are simple and unsophisticated; (such as merely throwing oneself into the water, seven times!); as contrasted to the elaborate rituals that were required in order to approach foreign Gods. Notice that Elisha’s miracles are geared towards revealing the God of Israel’s authentic power. Because of their powerful evidence of Jesus, as God, these miracles can be a strong tool for evangelization. The miracles, because of their    evident Heavenly Source, proclaim the Truth… that Jesus is God. They’re a great persuasive means for sharing the faith! 3. The third characteristic of Elisha’s and Jesus’ miracles is that they are done, for free and not in exchange for gifts.

Psalm 98: “The Lord has revealed to the nations His saving power.” This hymn of praise pairs well with our first reading as it praises God’s saving power and ability to perform miracles and healings, such as that of Naaman, the Syrian. The second verse of this psalm alludes to God’s love for everyone, despite their nation of origin, age, race, gender or faith tradition. This reverberates the all-inclusive characteristics of  Elisha’s and Jesus’ miracles, as noted previously. God’s transcendent love for all of His children comes out in this psalm! The last verse ignores all the world’s boundaries that are set up to separate people. No one is shut out from the love of God. All are invited to avail themselves of God’s healing power, forgiveness and salvation. This is a lovely psalm to read when we’re feeling helpless, afraid, abandoned or alone. Fear not. Our God is with us!

2 Tim 2:8-13:  Ironically, Paul writes this letter from prison, where he’s bound in chains. However, Paul is able to transcend his  physical captivity, to focus on the spiritual freedom he enjoys as a Christian disciple. The maltreatment he experiences because of his Christian faith gives Paul a “gift” to offer to God, for the salvation of others, as well as himself. Then, Paul re-states the promise of an eternal reward for all who suffer for the faith and live in obedience to God’s Commands: “If we have died with Him, (as in Christian baptism), we shall also live with Him. If we persevere (in living the faith), we shall also reign with Him…” (as in participating in the eternal joy of the Resurrection). Lastly, we’re warned that if we deny Christ, that He’ll deny us. We’re reminded that Christian participation is an exercise of free will, or a choice.

Luke 17:11-19:  A little known point of today’s Gospel reading is that the Samaritan who received the cure has a dilemma. When Jesus tells him to “go show yourselves to the priests,” the Samaritan has to choose between the Jewish priests of the Jerusalem Temple or the Samaritan priests, on Mount Gerizim.  However, the Holy Spirit gives the cured Samaritan the instinctive answer. The man instead returns; to give thanks to God, at the feet of Jesus! Jesus’ response is telling. He asks why the other nine didn’t return, to give thanks “to God.” Jesus, thereby subtly alludes to His identity, as God. The Samaritan recognizes Jesus, as God and goes to Him, confidently, for healing. Do we? Approaching Jesus, the Samaritan recognizes an open door to the mercy of God. Do we go there?  Don’t hesitate!