PRI Reflections on Scripture | Thanksgiving Day

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel

Luke 17:11-19

As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten persons with leprosy met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”  Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”

Reflection

Many people turn to God, most especially when they have something they can't deal with. And so they go to him and pray and ask him to do something for them.

God is doing something for us all the time. God is granting us all kinds of favors over and over again, and what he longs for us to do is simply to pause long enough to give him thanks. Gratitude. Appreciation for the life that we are leading. Life is a gift understood that way, we are always filled with gratitude.

Closing Prayer

Father, as we gather around the table today with friends and family. Let us give thanks for them. The gift they are, the struggles that we have with them. If they are difficult to get along with, the growth they bring to us. Bless us with the recognition of the gift of everyone in our life. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross