Gratitude and Faith in Action

HOMILY FOR THE TWENTY-EIGHT SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME, YEAR C

BY REV. AUGUSTINE ADETOLA

There is no better time to reflect on gratitude than this weekend as we gather as

members of Saint Peter Claver Parish to celebrate our annual Fall Festival. Every year we

celebrate the bazaar not only as a means of raising funds to support the parish, but as a

way of coming together as a church, family and friends to give thanks to God for all he

continues to do in our lives.

On this Sunday, our readings call us to be grateful and full of thanks for all God is doing in

our lives. In the first reading, Naaman is not an Israelite, yet God heals him. At first, he

does not want to follow the prophet’s instructions, but when he obeys, he is cured. His

healing shows that God’s love reaches beyond borders and nations. He went back and gave thanks for the healing he received.

In the Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers, but the only one who returns to give thanks is a

Samaritan. At that time, Jews and Samaritans did not mix, yet Jesus does not reject him.

Instead, he praises the man for his faith. This shows that God’s mercy is not just for a

chosen few—it is for anyone who believes and responds with gratitude. How grateful are

we for the little gifts of life that we receive on a regular basis?

It is easy to take blessings for granted. We wake up, go to work, eat meals, and live our

lives without always thinking about where these gifts come from. As Catholics, we may

attend Mass every week without truly appreciating what it means. Like the nine lepers,

they receive from God but forget to say thank you. Let us not be like them.

Gratitude entails forgiveness, kindness and mercy. To be grateful is to engage in all these

virtues. Letting go of all forms of hurts and pains that we may have received from people.

When we let go, we find it easy to forgive. To be grateful entails being kind and loving at

the same time. Kindness and love bring us more blessings from God.

Salvation is not something people earn. It is a gift. We are reminded today to be grateful

for what God has done. Living with gratitude changes how we see the world. Instead of

focusing on what we lack, let us recognize how much we have received and look for ways to share those gifts with others.

As we celebrate our fall festival this year, let us celebrate with heart full of gratitude,

love and kindness. Let’s put a smile today and show love to everyone. Do not allow anyone or anything provoke you. One of the best ways to remain grateful is to smile. Smile and be kind today and remember to have fun.

Lord, thank you for your mercy and love. Help us to trust in you, even when things are

difficult. Teach us to see your blessings in our lives and to be grateful for all that we

receive. Strengthen our faith so that we can follow you with open hearts.

Amen.