13th Sunday after Pentecost 4 September 2022
The nine lepers who did not come back did not fully absorb what had happened to them. They had interest only in Our Lord’s ability to fix things; they did not take the extra step of considering the full meaning of the event.
They did not, for example, consider becoming His disciples; they had what they wanted and there it was.
The same temptation occurs for us – that we call on God only when we need something.
In a time of danger it is Lord, save us, help us etc. By all means call on the Lord in danger, but also when all seems calm. The need for His mercy and blessing is always present no matter what appearances may be.
Salvation is more a process than a moment. It is a lifelong interaction between the disciple and God, with the disciple constantly seeking to improve in responsiveness to God's holy will.
Our whole approach to life needs to be permeated with belief, trust, knowledge of God, increasing through continuous prayer and reflection.
The one leper who returned was able to see beyond the physical blessing he had just received, and came to faith as well.
When we thank God we are going much further than just one transaction. Each act of thanksgiving ties in with all the other aspects of our spiritual life.
Each Mass is among other things an act of thanksgiving, expressing the various aspects of God's dealing with His Church.
He creates us, He provides for us, He will come again to reward the faithful.
We thank God that we can thank, that we have enough rationality to be able to relate to Him.
We take the chance to ask His pardon for not thanking Him enough.
We can still say, however, that God does fix things, only on many levels at once, as He brings the best out of millions of people and situations.
This ongoing attitude of thanksgiving is found in Mass and other prayers and ceremonies. These all keep before our eyes the bounty of God and help us to trust Him for future events.
The solution is bigger than the problems! After a certain point we no longer dwell on the problems, instead expressing belief in the goodness of God. Problems melt away like snowballs in the sun.
We try to encourage others to see things in this light. It is very hard when we are worried to stop worrying, but to dwell on God's goodness is a strong move in that direction.
God wants us to trust in Him to the point that we will no longer complain or argue with Him.
The extra confidence we attain as we battle through many trials will make us ready for bigger challenges. We thank God for enlisting us in this task.
All the different types of prayer come together. The petitions are not in the draft on their own, but surrounded by all the other types of prayer (praise, thanksgiving, contrition) which will reinforce to us the ongoing nature of our dealings with God.
We need faith to be strong enough to withstand some cold air.
The regular routine thanksgiving such as we offer at Mass is vital, to keep us on the boil at all times, and also to discern other more subtle blessings God give us. It is not only on sinking ships or other disasters that we call upon Him. He is involved in everything. For which we thank Him.
Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro.
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