“O, my God, forgive us for our ingratitude and open our minds so that we may comprehend what Your fatherly heart has gifted us, and thus bring even the smallest thanks to obtain forgiveness and mercy.” (Elder Ephraim of Mount Athos)
On the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, with the blessing of His Eminence Vladimir, Metropolitan of Chișinău and All Moldova, His Grace Siluan, Bishop of Orhei and Vicar of the Metropolis, celebrated the Holy and Divine Liturgy at the Nativity of the Lord Metropolitan Cathedral in Chișinău.
The Gospel of this Sunday tells us about the encounter between our Savior Jesus Christ and ten men suffering from leprosy, a severe and highly contagious disease. Leprosy completely isolated those afflicted, excluding them from the community and even from their families.
Recognizing in Christ their only hope for healing, the ten men pleaded from a distance for His mercy. Hearing their plea, the Savior instructed them to show themselves to the priests, as prescribed by the Law of Moses, so their healing could be confirmed. On their way, their faith was rewarded, and their bodies were cleansed.
Of them all, only one, a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus and glorify God. Seeing the ingratitude of the others, the Savior asked:
“Were not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?”
Saint Luke of Crimea notes that Christ, when He healed the ten lepers, knew that nine of them would show ingratitude. Yet, He healed them all. He poured out His boundless mercy on everyone—both the worthy and the unworthy. He gave His life for sinners and for the ungrateful. He suffered on the Cross of Golgotha for our sake, for everyone, even for those who rejected Him and sentenced Him to death.
This Gospel passage calls us to introspection. How often, like the lepers, do we receive God’s gifts without giving thanks? How much good does He offer us—healing, peace, and blessings—yet we forget to show our gratitude? Let us remember to glorify the One who cares for us and to thank Him wholeheartedly, like the Samaritan who returned to Christ.
Source: https://manastireacurchi.md