WEDNESDAY, THIRTY SECOND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME
Memorial of Saint Josaphat
Wis 6: 1-11 Ps 82: 3-4, 6-7 Lk 17: 11-19
GRATITUDE AND RESPONSIBILITY IN GOD’S KINGDOM
The book of Wisdom reminds rulers and leaders that authority is not their own achievement, but a gift from God. They are called to exercise power with justice, mercy, and integrity. God will judge leaders strictly because they are entrusted with the care of his people. This is a strong reminder that no one is without accountability before God. When we connect this to the Gospel, where ten lepers are healed but only one returns to thank Jesus, we notice a common theme: responsibility before God. For leaders, responsibility lies in ruling justly; for the lepers, responsibility lay in recognizing the gift received and returning in gratitude. In both cases, the Lord looks for a faithful response, not just words or outward gestures.
It is easy for us to embrace a mindset that these readings speak only to kings, rulers, or priests. But in reality, each of us is entrusted with some responsibility whether in our family, community, workplace, or parish. We may not govern nations, but we govern our actions, our words, and the way we influence others. Just as leaders are called to act with justice, we too are called to live with honesty and fairness in our everyday choices.
The Gospel also warns us against forgetfulness. Nine lepers received healing but failed to give thanks. How often do we take God’s blessings for granted? Every breath, every new day, every small success is God’s gift. Gratitude transforms us, it deepens faith, brings joy, and keeps us humble. Like the Samaritan who returned to Jesus, we are invited to turn back daily to God with thankful hearts. Both readings challenge us to live responsibly and gratefully. Justice without gratitude becomes rigid, while gratitude without justice becomes shallow. When we unite responsibility with thanksgiving, our lives become a living testimony of faith. Then, like the Samaritan, we too will hear the Lord’s words: “Your faith has saved you.”
Response: Arise, O God; judge the earth!
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