The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
Have you ever loaned something to a friend and had it returned in worse condition? Or not returned at all?! There aren’t many people who I would trust watching with my kids, or using my music gear or tools. And if you’re like me, you like taking care of your things.
I’ve definitely been the victim of this scenario. I think we all have. And when it happens I can’t help but immediately make a mental note of the person and think – “never again.” This mental note isn’t malicious in any way and I can’t really control the thought. But, this person didn’t respect my things, and now I look at them differently. It’s a flaw of mine.
On the other hand, I remember one time in high school giving a girl $5. It all happened so fast. I don’t remember fully why she needed it but I remember handing it over and not really expecting to get paid back. Ok, let’s be honest. She was pretty. I was probably looking for this to lead to a date but that didn’t happen either. A week passed and I actually completely forgot about the $5 loan. I saw her running to me in the hall one day and she promptly pulled out $5 and thanked me for helping her out.
In the first reading, Naaman is obeying “the word of Elisha, the man of God” and plunges into the Jordan to cleanse himself from leprosy. Upon being healed, he RETURNED with his posse to give thanks. In the Gospel reading, Jesus is stopped by ten lepers during his journey to Jerusalem and gives them instruction on how to be cleansed. Out of the ten lepers only one RETURNED, “and fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.”
What will you return to God today? God never hesitates when it comes to giving us his very own life. Every moment of every day he dispenses His grace upon us. And he continues to do so even when we choose not to acknowledge it or return it back to Him with thanks. He doesn’t forget. He doesn’t keep tabs on us and make mental notes and think “never again” when we fail. When God calls us, He calls us to something more. He even calls and instructs us in our weakness and will always leave us in better condition. You can return to the Father today with thanks. You only need to respond.
Nic Gutierrez lives in Grapevine, Texas and works as Director of Youth Evangelization & Catechesis at St. Vincent de Paul in Arlington, Texas. He served two years as a missionary with NET Ministries & attended the University of St. Thomas (MN) where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in both Catholic Studies & Theology. Aside from speaking & music engagements, Nic enjoys building up the domestic church with his wife Emily & three kids, woodworking in his shop, and drumming for a local Texas Country band. You can follow Nic on Instagram.