Faith on the Fringes

In this Sunday’s scripture passages, we see a striking theme:  God’s grace reaching those we might lest expect, and gratitude emerging from the margins.  In the first

reading (2 Kgs 5:14-17), Naaman, a foreign military commander, comes seeking healing from the prophet Elisha.  Initially, Naaman is an outsider to Israel’s faith,

but through a simple act of obedience – washing in the Jordan – he experiences not just physical healing but a transformation of heart.  He recognizes the God of Israel as the true God and responds with a grateful declaration of faith.

Similarly, in the Gospel (Lk 17: 11-19), we encounter a group of ten lepers who are also on the fringes of the religious community.  They seek out Jesus for mercy and are healed as they follow his instruction to show themselves to the priests.  Yet it is the Samaritan among them – another outsider – who returns to give thanks.  He not only acknowledges the gift of healing but also glorifies God recognizing the deeper significance of what Jesus has done.

In these stories, we are invited to reflect on how God’s grace often shows up in unexpected places and through unexpected people.  Both Naaman and the Samaritan leper teach us the value of gratitude and the importance of recognizing God’s hand at work, even when it comes from beyond the familiar boundaries of our own communities.

1.In your own life, where might you need to pause and return – like the healed Samaritan – to give thanks for something you’ve overlooked or taken for granted?

2.In what ways do you see God working through people who might be considered outsiders in your own community or tradition?

3. How do these stories challenge you to look beyond your own familiar circles when it comes to recognizing God’s action in the world?