📖 Readings for October 12, 2025
First Reading – 2 Kings 5:14-17
Naaman went down and plunged into the Jordan seven times, according to the word of the man of God, and his flesh was restored like that of a little child, and he was clean.
Returning to the man of God with all his retinue, he stood before him and said, “Now I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel. Please accept a gift from your servant.”
Elisha replied, “As the LORD lives whom I serve, I will not take it.” But Naaman urged him to accept, and he said, “Please let me, your servant, have two mule-loads of earth; for from now on your servant will no longer offer burnt offerings or sacrifices to other gods but will worship the LORD.”
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 98:1, 2-3, 3-4
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; his right hand has won victory for him.
The LORD has made known his salvation; he has revealed his justice in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands; break into song; sing praise.
Second Reading – 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, a descendant of David: such is my gospel, for which I suffer hardship, even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.
So I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, together with eternal glory.
If we have died with him, we shall also live with him;
If we persevere, we shall also reign with him;
If we deny him, he will deny us;
If we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny himself.
Gospel – Luke 17:11-19
As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he passed through Samaria and Galilee.
As he entered a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance and called out, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us.”
He told them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
Then one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
🌟 Verse of the Day
“Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” — Luke 17:19
Reflection
I. Introduction
Today we meet a powerful story of mercy, gratitude, and faith. Ten lepers received healing, yet only one returned to give thanks. That lone returner—that Samaritan—shows us what true response looks like: faith that acknowledges God’s generous love. How many blessings have we received without having thanked God?
II. The Gospel Passage & Its Context
Jesus heals ten lepers at a distance, commanding them to show themselves to the priests, in accordance with the law. While all are cleansed as they go, only one returns. Jesus affirms him, saying, "Your faith has saved you." It is not only the physical healing that matters, but the spiritual return—gratitude, recognition, relationship.
III. Broader Scriptural Resonance
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In 2 Kings, Naaman’s healing leads to recognition: “Now I know there is no God but in Israel.” His gratitude leads him to worship the one true God.
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The Psalm invites all nations to rejoice and see God’s salvation displayed. It reminds us that God’s mercy is universal.
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In 2 Timothy, Paul speaks of suffering for the gospel while trusting God’s faithfulness even when we fail. The theme of loyalty under pressure complements our Gospel: to live in gratitude and perseverance.
IV. Deeper Reflections
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Healing or grace apart from thanksgiving is incomplete. Our faith is validated when we return.
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Gratitude distinguishes a true disciple. The one who returns identifies with the Giver more than with the gift.
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Faith that saves is not passive. It acts—it moves us back into relationship, worship, obedience.
V. Practical Applications
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Pause today to list blessings—physical, spiritual, relational—and verbally thank God for each.
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Return to one area where you have taken grace for granted—repair that relationship, reach out to someone.
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Let your life be marked by gratitude: write a thank-you note, share testimonies, praise publicly.
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In times of hardship, remember God’s past mercies. Let gratitude build resilience in your faith.
VI. Conclusion
God’s healing comes not just so we may be well, but so that we may worship. The Samaritan leper teaches us that healing that doesn’t lead to gratitude falls short. May our hearts always return to God in thanksgiving—recognizing that everything good flows from Him.
🙏 Prayer for the Reader
Heavenly Father,
You have given me countless gifts, seen and unseen. Forgive me for the times I’ve neglected to return and thank You. Give me a spirit of gratitude, so that I always respond to Your grace with praise and worship. Let my faith not only receive but also return, moving me closer to You each day.
And bless all my fellow countrymen—especially those in the Philippines—with safety, protection, and peace. Guard us in times of danger and disaster, and uphold us by Your mercy.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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