Reflections of a beloved son

In this Sunday’s Gospel  (Lk. 17:11-19), we are told of the encounter between Jesus and Ten Lepers.   They begged Jesus to heal them of their leprosy, and Jesus simply told them “ Go show yourselves to the priests .”   While they were on their way, one of the lepers realized he was cured, and so he returned to Jesus and gave glory to God.   Jesus asked where the other 9 lepers were and said to the one Samaritan man who returned, “ Stand up and go; your faith has saved you. ” It was the man’s faith that saved him. What happened with the other nine?   Jesus said that they were cleansed, but why did they not return with the one to give thanks and praise?   Maybe they did not realize they were cleansed.   Maybe they did not have faith that Jesus would cleanse them.   Maybe they were too focused on getting to the priest and on questioning Jesus’ method that they failed to see what was actually taking place.   Maybe they did not even know the...

Do you believe?   I don't mean do you believe on the surface or if you pay lip service when you are asked that question.  I mean do you actually believe ?  Has a friend or family member ever approached you and asked, " Do you believe me ?"  This question has a twofold meaning: 1, it is an affirmation of their trust and belief in you , and 2, it is an invitation to trust and believe in them. God asks you today , " Do you believe me?  Not just in me, but do you believe me? "  Do you believe that you are loved from all eternity?  Do you believe that the Father listens to you and hears your prayers?  Do you believe? In today's Gospel reading ( Jn. 4:43-54 ), a royal official approached Jesus and asked for a healing for his sick son.  "Sir, come down before my child dies," he said.  Jesus said in reply, "You may go; your son will live."  Then we are told: "The man believed what Jesus said to him and left." Think about this: a ...