Breaking Open the Word

By James Cavanagh

Oct. 10: 28th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Scripture readings:

• 2 Kings 5:14-17
• Psalm 98:1-4
• 2 Timothy 2:8-13
• Luke 17:11-19

 

 

Overview: 
Leprosy is a terrible disease that causes dreadful disfigurement if left untreated. In ancient times it was seen as evidence of sin, which separated one from God and the community.

The healing of Naaman the Syrian, in the first reading, foreshadows the salvation of all peoples. Though a foreigner, Naaman witnesses the saving power of God when he is cured of leprosy by plunging into the Jordan River seven times. “Seven” of course is significant; it pertains to holiness.

The seventh day, you may recall, is “holy to the Lord” (Ex 31:15); it has no end (Gn 2:2); it is eternal and therefore of God. Psalm 98 celebrates Israel’s release from the Babylon Captivity, which was like a new Exodus. The Babylonians, like Naaman, witnessed the incredible power of God as Israel returned to the Promised Land.

There is a certain irony between the first reading, psalm and Gospel, which speak of salvation, and this week’s second reading where Paul is chained up like a criminal. But Paul knows of an even greater freedom in Christ. Paul’s imprisonment and suffering serves to further the salvation of others. Here we find a scriptural basis for the merits of the saints whose suffering when “offered up” advances God’s saving purpose. Along with the first reading, this week’s Gospel highlights the universality of salvation.

“God desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth” (1 Tim 2:4). The striking thing about this story is how all 10 lepers are healed, but only one—a foreigner—returns to “give thanks.” The Greek word which is translated as “thanks” is doxa and actually means to “give glory” or “worship.” The nine who did not return were not merely ungrateful, but failed to glorify God. 
 

Key Verse:
“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” (Lk 17:18).
 

“Catechism of the Catholic Church”: 
“In the Church’s liturgy the divine blessing is fully revealed and communicated. The Father is acknowledged and adored as the source and the end of all the blessings of creation and salvation. In his Word who became incarnate, died, and rose for us, he fills us with his blessings. Through his Word, he pours into our hearts the Gift that contains all gifts, the Holy Spirit” (No. 1082).

Pope Benedict XVI: 
“Christianity’s new worship includes and transfigures every aspect of life: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor 10:31). Christians, in all their actions, are called to offer true worship to God. Here the intrinsically eucharistic nature of Christian life begins to take shape” (“Sacrament of Charity,” 71).

Life application:
Every aspect of our lives as Christians is meant to glorify God. As St. Paul indicates in the second reading, even pain and sorrow, suffering and misfortune glorify God and further the salvation of others when joined to Christ. The Mass of course is the primary place where God is glorified, for it is there that the “saving power of God is revealed to the nations.”

James Cavanagh is director of Evangelization and Catechesis for Metro-Area Parishes of the Denver Archdiocese. For information on subscribing to "Breaking Open the Word, click here. For archives click here.