The theme of this school week is: Gratitude
The Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Scripture
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.
Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” -Luke 17:11-19
Reflection
Ask the students to close their eyes for a few moments while we reflect on the scripture.
Using your imagination place yourself in the passage. Where do you see yourself? Are you one of the lepers, the leper who returns, a disciple, in the crowd? What do you see, hear, smell, and feel? What are you thinking? How do you emotionally respond to this experience?
What do you think the lepers expected from Jesus? When we are feeling hopeless, what kind of prayers or requests do we ask of God?
One leper returns to thank Jesus. He was a double outsider — leper and Samaritan. When have you felt like you are outside the circle in some aspect of influence in some way? How did you response?
What is Jesus’ response to the thankful leper? And his question about the nine other lepers — why do you think they did not return? Why is so easy to not thank God for his blessings? What blessing does Jesus give to the thankful leper?
As you think about your own faith experience right now, for what are you most thankful? Take some time to talk to Jesus about your gratitude.
Prayer
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of death. Amen.
Our Lady Queen of Peace pray for us.
St Joseph pray for us
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.