Synopsis: The response of gratitude of the one leper of the ten who were healed by Jesus prompted our Lord to say to him " thy faith hath made thee whole." This common expression of Jesus must be investigated closely, for in each instance, different aspects of faith are revealed. This Samaritan's faith was expressed in two ways, that he prayed for mercy and he gave thanks for his great gift. Regarding his prayer, we have a detailed interlude to talk about the Jesus prayer and how we should pray it, including praying it for others. Then we link the prayer to thanksgiving, for without the latter, the former withers. As we become aware of how much God's mercy surrounds us and helps us. we thank Him, and seek his mercy even more, for ourselves and others. Our heart becomes softer, and feels the needs of others - our heart becomes like that of Jesus. These two things, seeking God's mercy and thanking him for everything - are required for salvation
More homilies on the 29th day after Pentecost are HERE
Luke 17:12-19 12 And as he entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers, which stood afar off: 13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, Jesus, Master, have mercy on us. 14 And when he saw them, he said unto them, Go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that, as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks: and he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine? 18 There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger. 19 And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith hath made thee whole.
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Commentary on Psalm 118, verse by verse
- "Blessed are the blameless in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord" Psalm 118:1 (mp3 format)
- "Blessed are they that search out His testimonies; with their whole heart shall they seek after Him." Psalm 118:2 (mp3 format)
- "For they that work iniquity have not walked in his ways." Commentary on Psalm 118:3. The reason for EVERY problem we have. What are the "ways" of God? (mp3 format)
- "Thou hast enjoined Thy commandments, that we should keep them most diligently" Purpose of the commandments & how to stay diligent? (mp3 format)
- "Would that my ways were directed to keep Thy statutes." How to "wish" for something. (mp3 format)
- "Then shall I not be ashamed, when I look on all Thy commandments." Psalm 118:6 Shame gives way to illumination. (mp3 format)
- "I will confess Thee with uprightness of heart, when I have learned the judgments of Thy righteousness." Two kinds of confession, but only one is righteous. (mp3 format)
- "I will keep thy statutes; do not utterly forsake me." The Grace of God may depart for a season, but never His mercy. (mp3 format)
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