Loss of Community...Due to Perfection ~ by Ronnie Archer

In the Gospel of the 28th Sunday of Ordinary Time, we heard the story of the ten lepers who went to meet Jesus, asking HIM to "Have pity on us!" Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priest. They showed great faith and obeyed. As they were going, they were cleansed. BUT, only one, when he realized that he was healed, returned to give thanks and glorify GOD. Jesus stated that ten were healed; and wondered where the other nine were. How often do we take for granted the blessings that GOD has given us, and "return" to give thanks?

In this incident, as soon as the other lepers realized they were healed, they recognized THEIR power, did NOT return to give God the glory; but separated, breaking their community.

The ten of them came to Jesus for mercy, TOGETHER. Jesus expected them to be healed and continue their community. When they did not come back to glorify TOGETHER, Jesus was saddened.

Jesus came to establish the Kingdom of God on earth and to bring us together, based on love and unity. "We must consider how to rouse each other to love and good deeds. We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the DAY draws near." (Hebrews 10: 24-25)