Healing the Body

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to contemplate the Wisdom and Healing of our spiritual tradition and act as resources for guidance, counsel and love.

Healing Presence

The Reading from the Book of Wisdom is an Exhortation to Seek Wisdom.

* [6:1–21] The first part of the book closes with an exhortation comparable to 1:1–15, and it leads into “Solomon’s” personal comments on wisdom in chaps. 7–9.

* [6:1] Kings…magistrates: note the inclusion with v. 21 (“kings”). The address to earthly powers is in accord with the opening (1:1), but the true audience remains the Jewish community.

* [6:4] Law: that of Moses; cf. 2:12; 6:10.

* [6:10] Response: a suitable plea before the great Judge. Cf. Prv 22:21; Jb 31:14; Hb 2:1; Sir 8:9. (Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB, n.d.)

Psalm 82 is a psalm of Asaph for universal justice.

* [Psalm 82] As in Ps 58, the pagan gods are seen as subordinate divine beings to whom Israel’s God had delegated oversight of the foreign countries in the beginning (Dt 32:8–9). Now God arises in the heavenly assembly (Ps 82:1) to rebuke the unjust “gods” (Ps 82:2–4), who are stripped of divine status and reduced in rank to mortals (Ps 82:5–7). They are accused of misruling the earth by not upholding the poor. A short prayer for universal justice concludes the Psalm (Ps 82:8). (Psalms, PSALM 82|USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke presents Jesus Cleansing of Ten Lepers. 

* [17:11–19] This incident recounting the thankfulness of the cleansed Samaritan leper is narrated only in Luke’s gospel and provides an instance of Jesus holding up a non-Jew (Lk 17:18) as an example to his Jewish contemporaries (cf. Lk 10:33 where a similar purpose is achieved in the story of the good Samaritan). Moreover, it is the faith in Jesus manifested by the foreigner that has brought him salvation (Lk 17:19; cf. the similar relationship between faith and salvation in Lk 7:50; 8:48, 50).

* [17:11] Through Samaria and Galilee: or, “between Samaria and Galilee.”

* [17:14] See note on Lk 5:14. (Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Steve Scholer comments on the responsibility that comes with a crown noting that

St. Ignatius tackled this issue almost 500 years ago and gave us a roadmap to lightening the weight of the crown.

The key to leading is in understanding our own strengths and weaknesses. That knowledge and deeper understanding come through daily reflection – looking for God’s presence in our lives and asking for the help of the Spirit to guide our interactions.

Ignatius also stressed that leaders were those who engaged others with dignity, a positive attitude and an open heart, ready to love and accept. He charged the Society to govern using “all the love and modesty and charity possible.” Ignatius knew that fear was not how one leads, but rather, by being mutually supportive and creating positive environments fueled by acceptance and affection. 

Like it or not, we are all leaders who impact those around us. As we go about our busy lives, we need to stop frequently and reflect on the impact of our words and actions or inactions. We may not lead on the grand scale of a pope, president or premier, but we are equally as powerful to those who look to us for guidance, counsel and love. (Scholer, n.d.)

Don Schwager quotes “Cleansing of the ten lepers,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Why did [Jesus] not say, 'I will, be cleansed,' as he did in the case of another leper (Luke 5:13), instead of commanding them to show themselves to the priests? It was because the law gave directions to this effect to those who were delivered from leprosy (Leviticus 14:2). It commanded them to show themselves to the priests and to offer a sacrifice for their cleansing. He commanded them to go as being already healed so that they might bear witness to the priests, the rulers of the Jews and always envious of his glory. They testified that wonderfully and beyond their hope, they had been delivered from their misfortune by Christ's willing that they should be healed. He did not heal them first but sent them to the priests, because the priests knew the marks of leprosy and of its healing." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 17:11-19 comments that today’s familiar Gospel story of Jesus healing ten people with leprosy reveals a pattern in the way he relates to anyone seeking healing from him. It’s a back-and-forth pattern that has persisted for ages and is just as relevant to us today.

What need is weighing on your heart; where do you need healing? Call out to Jesus! He hears you. If you think he’s guiding you in a certain direction, do your best to obey him. Know that he is working in your life as you trust him. And when you perceive him beginning to heal you, turn to him with gratitude. Don’t let anything get in the way. Simply open your heart in thanksgiving and receive the gifts he wants to give you.

“Jesus, thank you for hearing me, healing me, and saving me!” (Meditation on Luke 17:11-19, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler notes the Wisdom reading presents Middle East wisdom that someone about to rule should learn the way of God and protect the rights of the poor. As declared by Spiderman, “great power demands great responsibility”. Leaders are judged according to what they can do. Jesus heals ten and sends them to authority to follow Jewish law. In Luke, good Jews and Gentiles will follow Jesus. Samaritans, half Jews, accepted the Torah and worshiped outside Jerusalem.The hero is a foreigner. Friar Jude comments that research In shopping malls by opening doors for people reveals only one in fifty responds with thanks. We are urged to be thankful for so many ways in which we are blessed and consider if a foreigner is an example to follow in virtue.

Fr. Mike Schmitz discusses our call to deny ourselves and take up our cross, specifically focusing on God’s call to renounce all that is ours and trust in him. He also highlights the story of Mary and Martha and encourages us not to allow the cares of life to choke the life of God out of our lives as Martha allowed her troubles and anxieties to do. Today’s readings are from Luke 9-10 and Proverbs 26:4-6.

Fr. Richard Rohr, OFM, writes of the sacramental nature of bread and wine in the Eucharist. A true believer is eating what he or she is afraid to see and afraid to accept: The universe is the Body of God, both in its essence and in its suffering.

The Eucharist is an encounter of the heart when we recognize Christ’s Presence through our own offered presence. In the Eucharist, we move beyond mere words or rational thought and go to that place where we don’t talk about the Mystery anymore; we begin to chew on it. Jesus did not say, “Think about this” or “Stare at this” or even “Worship this.” Instead, he said, “Eat this!” 

We must move our knowing to the bodily, cellular, participative, and thus unitive level. We must keep eating and drinking the Mystery, until one day it dawns on us, in an undefended moment, “My God, I really am what I eat! I also am the Body of Christ.” Then we can henceforth trust and allow what has been true since the first moment of our existence. The Eucharist should jolt us into awareness that we have dignity and power flowing through us in our bare and naked existence—and everybody else does too, even though most do not know it. A body awareness of this sort is enough to steer and empower our entire faith life. 

This is why I must hold to the orthodox belief that there is Real Presence in the bread and wine. For me, if we sacrifice Reality in the basic and universal elements, we end up sacrificing the same Reality in ourselves.  (Rohr, n.d.)

We implore the Spirit to empower us to accept our leadership role of participation in the Body of Christ as agents of healing and unity in our environment.

References

Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?11 

Meditation on Luke 17:11-19. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/11/12/1428150/ 

Psalms, PSALM 82|USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Bible Readings. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/82?3 

Rohr, R. (n.d.). The Sacrament of the Eucharist. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/the-sacrament-of-the-eucharist/ 

Scholer, S. (n.d.). Daily Reflection. Creighton On Line Ministries. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-november-13-2019 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Fell at Jesus' Feet Giving Thanks. Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations – Daily Scripture Readings and Meditations. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

Wisdom, CHAPTER 6 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved November 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/wisdom/6?1 

Faith, Perseverance, and Personal Relationship

The texts from the Roman Catholic Lectionary today challenge us to live in troubling situations with faith and perseverance that deepens our relationship with God and others.

Persevere in Faith

In the Reading from the Second Book of Kings, Elisha Cures Naaman’s Leprosy

* [5:12] Wash in them and be cleansed: typical of the ambiguity in ritual healing or cleanliness. The muddy waters of the Jordan are no match hygienically for the mountain spring waters of Damascus; ritually, it is the other way around.

* [5:17] Two mule-loads of earth: worship of the Lord is associated with the soil of the Holy Land, where he is present. (2 Kings, CHAPTER 5, n.d.)

Psalm 98 extolls God for Israel’s victory.

* [Psalm 98] A hymn, similar to Ps 96, extolling God for Israel’s victory (Ps 98:1–3). All nations (Ps 98:4–6) and even inanimate nature (Ps 98:7–8) are summoned to welcome God’s coming to rule over the world (Ps 98:9). (Psalms, PSALM 98, n.d.)

The Reading from the Second Letter to Timothy reminds us that the Christian life includes endurance, witness, and even suffering.

* [2:8–13] The section begins with a sloganlike summary of Paul’s gospel about Christ (2 Tm 2:8) and concludes with what may be part of an early Christian hymn (2 Tm 2:11b–12a; most exegetes include the rest of 2 Tm 2:12 and all of 2 Tm 2:13 as part of the quotation). The poetic lines suggest that through baptism Christians die spiritually with Christ and hope to live with him and reign with him forever, but the Christian life includes endurance, witness, and even suffering, as the final judgment will show and as Paul’s own case makes clear; while he is imprisoned for preaching the gospel (2 Tm 2:9), his sufferings are helpful to the elect for obtaining the salvation and glory available in Christ (2 Tm 2:10), who will be true to those who are faithful and will disown those who deny him (2 Tm 2:12–13). (2 Timothy, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB, n.d.)

The Gospel of Luke proclaims Jesus Cleansing of Ten Lepers.

* [17:11–19] This incident recounting the thankfulness of the cleansed Samaritan leper is narrated only in Luke’s gospel and provides an instance of Jesus holding up a non-Jew (Lk 17:18) as an example to his Jewish contemporaries (cf. Lk 10:33 where a similar purpose is achieved in the story of the good Samaritan). Moreover, it is the faith in Jesus manifested by the foreigner that has brought him salvation (Lk 17:19; cf. the similar relationship between faith and salvation in Lk 7:50; 8:48, 50). (Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB, n.d.)

Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ, comments that all who cry out in their need can experience God’s healing touch, but salvation requires the deeper response of gratitude, faith, and the turning of one’s life toward God. Healing can restore us, but salvation transforms us.

Today, in a world plagued by crises of care, where many seek healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual— these readings challenge us to look beyond the gift to the Giver. Healing may restore us to health, but salvation offers eternal life. Healing may bring relief for a season, but salvation brings communion with God forever. Gratitude, faith, and the willingness to follow Christ are what bridge the gap between receiving a gift and embracing the fullness of salvation. Thus, we are reminded: God’s mercy is wide, his healing is abundant, but salvation is personal. It requires the grateful heart that returns, the faithful heart that endures, and the surrendered heart that proclaims: “Jesus is Lord.” (Fernando, 2025)

Don Schwager quotes “Cleansing of the ten lepers,” by Cyril of Alexandria (376-444 AD).

"Why did [Jesus] not say, 'I will, be cleansed,' as he did in the case of another leper (Luke 5:13), instead of commanding them to show themselves to the priests? It was because the law gave directions to this effect to those who were delivered from leprosy (Leviticus 14:2). It commanded them to show themselves to the priests and to offer a sacrifice for their cleansing. He commanded them to go as being already healed so that they might bear witness to the priests, the rulers of the Jews and always envious of his glory. They testified that wonderfully and beyond their hope, they had been delivered from their misfortune by Christ's willing that they should be healed. He did not heal them first but sent them to the priests, because the priests knew the marks of leprosy and of its healing." (excerpt from COMMENTARY ON LUKE, HOMILIES 113-16) (Schwager, n.d.)

The Word Among Us Meditation on Luke 17:11-19 comments that our own gratitude can lead us to worship the One who has given us abundant life, both now and forever.

We can worship the Lord in many ways, but today, let’s imitate the Samaritan in today’s Gospel:

At Mass today, sing out your praise! Join the choir “in a loud voice” (Luke 17:15) and worship the Lord with all your heart. Kneel in adoration before the King of kings. Rejoice because the Lord says to you, as he did to the Samaritan, “Your faith has saved you” (17:19).

“‘Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds’ (Psalm 98:1).” (Meditation on Luke 17:11-19, n.d.)

Friar Jude Winkler identifies how in Second Kings, Naaman travels to be healed in Israel by a great prophet after reluctantly bathing In the Jordan at the direction of Elisha. This seemed a strange thing to do and he expected a difficult task he would have done! God is recognized as the Only God in this passage but still seen as a national God. Later, God is recognized as of all nations. Second Timothy, likely written in the name of Paul, suffering in chains, to recall Paul’s faithfulness. There are two different Greek verbs: “mess up” and “deny as not part of my life”. In Luke’s Gospel, Jesus heals ten lepers and sends them to the priest, following Jewish law, that was considered to be important. The Samaritan, hated by the Jews, came to give thanks. We receive wonders from the Lord that we too often do not recognize. Friar Jude cites an experiment at shopping malls opening doors and only a few people offered thanks. We are a society of entitlement. We may fall into an attitude of focus on what we don’t have.

Fr. Mike Schmitz comments on  today's reading from 1 Maccabees, we hear about the victory of Judas Maccabeus, which is also the story of Hanukkah. In Sirach, Fr. Mike points out that chasing fame and glory in this world are not worth our time, because they will all fade away after we are gone. The readings are 1 Maccabees 4, Sirach 10-12, and Proverbs 22:9-12.

Brian McLaren emphasizes knowing and following Jesus as a prophet: 

Growing up as a Jew, Jesus enters the ancestral lineage of the patriarchs and matriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah, Rebekah, and Rachel. But Jesus also enters through a spiritual lineage of prophets and prophetesses beginning with Moses, the first biblical prophet…. 

If we take Jesus seriously as a prophet, we take his incarnation seriously, because Jesus comes into a particular historical situation. As part of a society, he had to grapple with politics and economics. The crucifixion makes sense because prophets’ lives don’t usually end well. Very few have a comfortable retirement. His prophetic identity also requires us to take the story of the resurrection seriously as a prophetic demonstration and affirmation that the work of the prophet must continue even after he is executed and buried.  

If we let Jesus as prophet be eclipsed by other understandings, Jesus is reduced, and so are we. Jesus wants his followers to become like him…. He says, “My movement is a prophetic movement. If you join my movement, you’re in that line of work, including its hazards.” (McLaren, n.d.)

We are invited by the Spirit to take a few minutes to ponder the gratitude we have for the personal relationships on our journey that call us to live our our Baptismal anointing as priest, prophet and leader.

References

Fernando, R. (2025, October 12). Daily Reflection October 12, 2025 | Creighton Online Ministries. Creighton Online Ministries. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://onlineministries.creighton.edu/daily-reflections/daily-reflection-october-12-2025 

Luke, CHAPTER 17 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?11 

McLaren, B. (n.d.). Prophetic Love. Center for Action and Contemplation. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://cac.org/daily-meditations/prophetic-love/ 

Meditation on Luke 17:11-19. (n.d.). Word Among Us. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://wau.org/meditations/2025/10/12/1405661/ 

Psalms, PSALM 98. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/psalms/98?1 

Schwager, D. (n.d.). He Fell at Jesus' Feet Giving Thanks. Daily Scripture Net. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://www.dailyscripture.net/daily-meditation/ 

2 Kings, CHAPTER 5. (n.d.). USCCB. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2kings/5?14 

2 Timothy, CHAPTER 2 | USCCB. (n.d.). Daily Readings. Retrieved October 12, 2025, from https://bible.usccb.org/bible/2timothy/2?8