The miracle story in today’s Gospel is well known. Jesus healed all ten lepers of their terrible disease that forced them into isolation, but no one came back to thank him except a Samaritan.
Jesus said, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Recall that in Jesus’ day, the people of Samaria were ignored and marginalized by the majority. And yet, consistently in the Gospels, these unwelcome outsiders are received positively by Jesus. He holds them up as shining examples of discipleship in his parables and miracles.
See how the Samaritan expressed his gratitude: He gave glory to God in a loud voice and fell at Jesus’ feet to thank him. This attitude of praise lies at the heart of every disciple of Christ. Jesus tells the grateful man to GO! Go out and proclaim God’s praise! Why? Because he his faith has saved him.
In the Second Reading from Saint Paul’s Second Letter to Timothy, the apostle proclaims:
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead. . . Such is my gospel, for which I am suffering, even to the point of chains. But the Word of God is not chained. . .
The Word of God is not chained! Not by ignorance, not by hatred, not by prejudice. Today, Jesus challenges us to ask ourselves as individuals and community: Whom do we openly or silently marginalize as outsiders? Perhaps their very presence among us might be an opportunity to learn something about God’s welcoming embrace. Let us be grateful and go into our world to proclaim with all our brothers and sisters the generous love of God.
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Entrance Antiphon If You, O Lord, Should Mark Iniquities (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #181
This Entrance Antiphon text is from Psalm 130: “If you, O Lord, should mark iniquities, Lord, who could stand? But with you is found forgiveness, O God of Israel.” It is an expression of faith in the saving power of God.
Entrance Chant All Are Welcome (All Belong) (Jesse Manibusan and Jennah Manibusan)
Breaking Bread #316
Jesse and Jennah’s warm anthem invites the entire community to come together as we gather to praise God at this Eucharist.
Responsorial Psalm The Lord Has Revealed to the Nations (Josh Blakesley)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 332
Josh Blakesley’s verbatim setting of Psalm 98 is an apt response to the First Reading’s story of the foreigner Naaman, who was grateful to God for his healing. God’s mercy has no boundaries.
Gospel Acclamation Alleluia: Mass of Renewal (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Psalm 2025: p. 334
In support of today’s Gospel, the acclamation text proclaims: “In all circumstances, give thanks.”
Presentation and Preparation of the Gifts Healed in Christ (Sarah Hart)
Breaking Bread #662
This contemporary ballad of healing by Sarah Hart is an appropriate reflection on the teaching today’s readings.
28th Sunday in Ordinary Time Communion Antiphon When the Lord Appears [Option 2] (Steve Angrisano, Sarah Hart and Curtis Stephan)
Let Us All Rejoice #183
The text of antiphon Option 2 is a prayer of hope in the presence of Christ who stands before us in glory.
Communion Chant Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) (John Newton; arr. by Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio)
Spirit & Song #265
This popular contemporary arrangement of the classic hymn captures the Samaritan’s joy in the Gospel story.
Sending Forth Go Out, Go Out (Curtis Stephan)
Spirit & Song #212; Breaking Bread #390
Jesus tells the grateful Samaritan to go and proclaim the glory of God. May we do likewise as we are sent forth from this liturgy.
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