Sunday 12 October 2025 - Your faith has made you well

Sunday 12 October 2025

Today is Sunday the 12th of October, beginning the 28th week of Ordinary Time. Salt of the Sound sings 'Doxology'. Praise God, from whom all blessings flow Praise Him, all creatures here below Praise Him above, ye heavenly host Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost Amen Today’s reading is from the Gospel of Luke. Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘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 made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ Today’s reading recalls another dusty road and another encounter with a Samaritan. Though this time it is Jesus himself who reaches out with compassion. Jesus and his friends are near the border between Samaria and Galilee. The dusty road stretches ahead and, in the distance, a group of ten figures shout to Him from afar, dutifully keeping their distance. Can you hear the desperation in their voices? “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Jesus tells them to go show themselves to the priests, and as they go, they are healed. Only one—a Samaritan—returns to thank Jesus. Jesus wonders aloud: “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine?” Then he tells the grateful man, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” Where do you place yourself in this scene? Are you among the ten, with the disciples or simply a bystander? The Sabbath is a day of restoration. These lepers know no rest — cut off from homes, worship, and community. When Jesus heals them, he restores more than just bodies. He invites them into the wholeness of what the Sabbath is: peace, inclusion, and dignity. Is there space in your life where you are longing for rest or inclusion? Only one returns. The healed man knows that a deeper healing has taken place and responds with heartfelt thanks. Like the Samaritan, are you being called to return and give thanks for something today? Jesus says, “Your faith has saved you”—saved, not just healed. There's a deeper wholeness that comes with faith and gratitude. Sabbath reminds us that life itself is holy. As you listen to the passage again, reflect on how might Sabbath rest deepen your faith and sense of being made whole? Luke 17:11-19 On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, ‘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 made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, ‘Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said to him, ‘Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.’ "Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” In the stillness of this Sabbath, take time to share with the Lord your need of restoration. Rest in God’s presence and give thanks. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be World without end Amen