Deeper, spiritual healing (John W. Martens)

It was only the Samaritan 

who returned to thank Jesus for his healing.

  But how is that evidence of faithfulness instead of thankfulness?  Faithfulness is demonstrated in two ways.  One, the Samaritan recognizes that mercy has come from Jesus, and returning to thank Jesus is a form of faithfulness to the mercy of God that has been made manifest; and two, the Samaritan’s thankfulness for his physical healing shows evidence of deeper, spiritual healing, which is our true salvation.  It is here that the odd geographical phrase, between Samaria and Galilee makes sense.  The boundary lines between who might be saved, leper or clean, Samaritan or Jew, have been breached. The Samaritan’s return allows Jesus to demonstrate that no one, not a leper, nor a Samaritan, is beyond God’s mercy.  Anyone can experience God’s salvation, shout with joy for it, praise God for it, and walk along the same road Jesus is traveling.  Between Samaria and Galilee, there is only the kingdom of God, in which salvation is available to all who call out for mercy and respond to God’s call with thankfulness and praise.

--John W. Martens,

Lessons from the Ten Lepers

To read Mr. Martens’ article in America Magazine, click here.

Image source: https://www.catholic.org/homily/yearoffaith/story.php?id=52734

Quotation source