FIRST READING
A reading from the Book of Wisdom (Wisdom 6: 1-11)
”Listen, O kings, that you may learn wisdom.”
Listen, O kings, and understand; learn, O judges of the ends of the earth. Give ear, you that rule over multitudes, and boast of many nations. For your dominion was given you from the Lord, and your sovereignty from the Most High, who will search out your works and inquire into your plans. Because as servants of his kingdom you did not rule rightly, nor keep the law, nor walk according to the purpose of God, he will come upon you terribly and swiftly, because severe judgement falls on those in high places. For the lowliest man may be pardoned in mercy, but mighty men will be mightily tested. For the Lord of all will not stand in awe of any one, nor show deference to greatness; because he himself made both small and great, and he takes thought for all alike. But a strict inquiry is in store for the mighty. To you then, O monarchs, my words are directed, that you may learn wisdom and not transgress. For they will be made holy who observe holy things in holiness, and those who have been taught them will find a defence. Therefore set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed.
The word of the Lord.
RESPONSORIAL PSALM Psalm 82:3-4, 6-7 (R. 8a)
R/. Arise, O God; judge the earth!
“Do justice for the weak and the orphan;
give justice to the poor and afflicted.
Rescue the weak and the needy;
set them free from the hand of the wicked.” R/.
R/. Arise, O God; judge the earth!
I have said to you, “You are gods,
and all of you, sons of the Most High.
And yet, like men you shall die;
you shall fall, like any of the princes.” R/.
ALLELUIA 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Alleluia. Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Alleluia.
GOSPEL
“Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?”
A reading front the holy Gospel according to Luke (Luke 17:11-19)
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was passing along between Samaria and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.”
The Gospel of the Lord.
TODAY’S REFLECTION
How often we forget to show gratitude to God for the love he showers upon us daily! It is baffling that we usually do not find the need to continually give thanks to God for the gifts we receive because we consider them ordinary. For instance, many feel no need to be thankful for the good health they enjoy – not until they lose such good health and their health is restored. But one who enjoys uninterrupted good health never thinks of giving thanks. We shouldn’t need to suffer a loss to give thanks to God. Thanksgiving is the greatest form of prayer one can offer and this is made clear from the name the church gives the greatest player she offers – Eucharistia: Thanksgiving.