The Samaritan who returned
“And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan.”Luke 17:15-16
Reflection
Ten lepers cried out to Jesus from afar, asking for mercy. He told them to show themselves to the priests and, as they went, they were cleansed. Ten men were healed of a disease that isolated them from family, work and life in society. It was the greatest miracle they could have hoped for. And then a scene happens that Luke records precisely: "And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God. And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan."
Observe the difference among the ten. All received the same miracle. Nine went on their way, probably running home, to the priests, to the life they had regained. One stopped, noticed and turned back. What made him different? He "saw that he was healed". Gratitude begins in the gaze: perceiving what we have received. And he returned "with a loud voice glorified God", without shame, without restraint. He gave thanks with body and voice: he fell on his face at Jesus' feet. His gratitude was complete: recognition, praise and prostration.
And there is a detail Luke does not hide: "he was a Samaritan". A foreigner, despised by the Jews. What set the tone of thanks was not religion, tradition or origin, but a heart sensitive to the goodness received. Jesus commented on the scene with a question full of meaning: "Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?". It is not a bitter criticism, it is sadness: the others received the gift and forgot to return to the giver. And the Samaritan heard something more than the healing: Jesus told him "thy faith hath made thee whole", a complete restoration.
How often are we the nine? We receive answers to prayer and move on, excited by what we gained, without returning to say "thank you". Today, be the tenth. Think of three recent blessings, from the great to the small, and return to Jesus with them: aloud, unhurried, with the face of one who has been healed. Then return also to people who helped you and give thanks. Whoever returns to give thanks discovers that gratitude is what turns blessing into relationship.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, forgive me for so often receiving Your miracles and going my way without returning to give thanks. Today I return, with my face at Your feet, glorifying You aloud. Thank You for everything You have done, for blessings great and small. May my gratitude be complete. Amen.
Put it into practice
Return to Jesus today and give thanks aloud for at least three recent blessings. Then choose one person who helped you and thank them personally, with a message or a visit.
To reflect on
For which recent blessings have you forgotten to return and give thanks, and to whom else do you owe a word of gratitude?
Bible text: King James Version (public domain).