Daily Gospel Reflection for November 15, 2023

Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.

Today's Gospel: Luke 17:11-19

“As they were going they were cleansed." Luke 17:14

As the lepers were doing exactly what Jesus asked they were made whole again. They certainly would have wanted to stay and let this man with a reputation for healing do His magic on them. But instead He told them to leave and go visit the priests in the temple even though they were still unclean. Did they think He was crazy?

Did they hesitate to leave Him and go where they weren’t welcome? Did they talk amongst themselves in doubt while walking away from this so-called healer they had heard about?

We don’t know; all that is recorded in today’s Gospel is that as soon as Jesus told them to go, they left and did exactly what He asked. They trusted Him enough to follow His unusual instructions. The lepers didn’t hesitate to yell out to Jesus when they saw Him coming, or when He told them to do something that sounded crazy.

How often do we get a nudge from the Holy Spirit that we should do something to help someone or volunteer our time but we hesitate in doubt? Do we hesitate because we don’t think we have the time to spare or the talents to do what is asked, or the strength in faith to truly listen to God speaking to us?

We need to follow the lead of these faithful lepers and listen to what Jesus is telling us without hesitation. Then we, too, can be saved by our faith.

Ponder:

What is the Holy Spirit encouraging you to do that you have been resisting?

Pray:

My dear Jesus, You are the master healer and want us to listen to Your commands as these lepers did. Help us to not hesitate but respond immediately and joyfully to You.