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Meeting Christ in the Liturgy
by Fr. Cusick
(Note: CCC refers to Catechism of the Catholic Church )
Epistle: Galatians 3. 16-22; Gospel: St. Luke 17. 11-19

Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Jesus cures ten, but only one returns to give thanks. "Were not all ten made clean? The other nine, where are they? No one, it seems, has come back to give glory to God but this foreigner."

The teaching of Christ here is not about the healing of the flesh, it is of a far greater and more precious gift: the grace of God in faith in Christ Jesus. God's gift of faith in the Son of Man is poured out freely for all, regardless of race. The working of his grace is seen here in the gratitude of the Samaritan. He who was thought to be socially repulsive, and an outcast even before he contracted leprosy, shows the dignity of faith in returning to give thanks to Christ. "Rise, and go your way, your faith has saved you."

How often do our prayers turn to the theme of thanksgiving to God? Or does our concern for present needs and wants cloud our remembrance of past gifts and blessings?

Thanksgiving characterizes the prayer of the Church which, in celebrating the Eucharist, reveals and becomes more fully what she is. Indeed, in the work of salvation, Christ sets creation free from sin and death to consecrate it anew and make it return to the Father, for his glory. The thanksgiving of the members of the Body participates in that of their Head. (CCC 2637) 

As in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving. The letters of St. Paul often begin and end with thanksgiving, and the Lord Jesus is always present in it: "Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you"; "Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving." (1 Thess 5:18; Col 4:2) (CCC 2638) 

I look forward to meeting you here again next week as, together, we "meet Christ in the liturgy", 

 -Father Cusick 
 
Used with the permission of Fr. Cusick from his website