Our scripture for this week is Luke 17:11-19
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.
Luke 17:15-16
The healing Jesus promised the ten men has occurred, and one turns back to offer praise and thanks – “and he was a Samaritan” (v. 16). As we have heard before, Samaritans worshipped differently and did not keep the same laws as did the Jews. This man as a Samaritan leper may have been seen as “doubly unclean”.
That didn’t matter to Jesus. He didn’t ask where they worshipped God – or even if they worshipped God. He offered them God’s love and healing not because of who they were here but because they were God’s creation.
Jesus teaches us to share God’s love in the same way, not asking who they are or determining if they “deserve” it, but giving because God has given to us first. Our love for others is commanded, but it should be part of of us because they are part of us.
Loving Lord, help us to see everyone as our brothers and sisters. May we follow the example Jesus set, loving everyone and sharing Your gifts freely. Amen.