TUESDAY, June 2 (The Martyrs of Lyons)

I love this story of the ten cleansed lepers, only one of whom returned to thank Jesus. Whenever I feel unappreciated (and as no one is as appreciative of  my own efforts as I am, this is quite often), I think of the gratitude Jesus received--one out of ten thanked him.

But what am I doing that I should expect praise? In yesterday's gospel, Jesus speaks of a servant who, when he has done everything he was told to do, should not expect praise. If I am about my Father's business, I should not expect praise.

Jesus did not expect praise. When thanked, Jesus did not say, "You're welcome," but "Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Jesus welcomes the leper's thanks only as it gives glory to God, the source of the leper's healing.

Ten lepers were cleansed of leprosy, a disease that had kept them outcast from society. You and I too have been cleansed from disease, the leprosy of sin which kept us outcast from the presence of God. Are you one of the nine? Or are you the tenth praising God for your healing?

PRAY for the Diocese of Cyangugu (Rwanda)

Ps 45 * 47, 48; Deuteronomy 12:1-12;  2 Corinthians 6:3-13(14-7:1)

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Or view the Bible passages at Biblegateway.com.