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The Ten Lepers: The Healing Power of Gratitude

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The Ten Lepers: The Healing Power of Gratitude Brothers and sisters in Christ, In today's Gospel, we hear the story of ten lepers who encounter Jesus as He is traveling toward Jerusalem. They stand at a distance and cry out: “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” Jesus hears their cry and tells them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they go, they are cleansed of their leprosy. But something very interesting happens. Out of the ten who were healed, only one returns to Jesus to give thanks. And Luke makes an important observation: the one who returned was a Samaritan, a foreigner. Jesus asks: “Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine?” This question is not simply about good manners. It is a question about the human heart. It challenges us to examine our relationship with God. Let us reflect on three important lessons. 1. We are often very good at asking but not always good at thanking. Notice how all ten lepers prayed when they were suffering. They knew whe...
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The History of the Lateran Basilica: The Mother and Head of All Churches

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The History of the Lateran Basilica: The Mother and Head of All Churches The facade of Basilica (church) di San Giovanni in Laterano The Archbasilica of the Most Holy Savior and of Saints John the Baptist and John the Evangelist in the Lateran (Archbasilica Sanctissimi Salvatoris et Sanctorum Ioannis Baptistae et Ioannis Evangelistae) is the cathedral of the Bishop of Rome—the Pope. It is commonly called the Basilica of Saint John Lateran (San Giovanni in Laterano). It holds a unique place in Catholic history because it is not St. Peter's Basilica but the cathedral church of the Pope. It is traditionally honored with the title: Omnium Urbis et Orbis Ecclesiarum Mater et Caput "Mother and Head of all the Churches of the City and the World." This title expresses its historical and ecclesiastical primacy as the cathedral of Rome. 1. Its origins: From persecution to freedom (4th century) Before the fourth century, Christianity was periodically persecuted in the Roman Empire....
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Be Ready to Meet the Lord”

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Homily on Matthew 25:1–13 “Keep Your Lamps Burning: Be Ready to Meet the Lord” My dear brothers and sisters, In today's Gospel, Jesus tells us the parable of the ten virgins who went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were wise, and five were foolish. All ten carried lamps, and all ten were waiting for the bridegroom. But there was one important difference: the wise brought extra oil, while the foolish did not. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight, someone announced: "Behold, the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!" The five wise virgins were ready. They had enough oil for their lamps. But the foolish ones discovered that their lamps were going out, and they had no extra oil. Jesus concludes the parable with a very important warning: "Therefore, stay awake, for you know neither the day nor the hour." What is Jesus teaching us through this parable? 1. All of us are waiting for the Bridegroom In biblical tradition, t...
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The Parable of the Shrewd Steward One of the most difficult parables of Jesus

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Lucas 16:1-8 - The Parable of the Shrewd Steward One of the most difficult parables of Jesus "For the children of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own generation than are the children of light." - Lk 16:8 1. Introduction - A Scandalous Parable My dear brothers and sisters, if you were confused by today's Gospel, you are not alone. Even the saints were confused. We hear a story of a manager, a steward, who is wasteful, who is about to be fired, and who then cheats his master even more by forgiving debts - and then the master praises him! Is Jesus praising dishonesty? Is He telling us to be corrupt? Absolutely not. To understand this, we must see what Jesus is praising and what He is not praising. 2. What Jesus is NOT Praising Misconception to Correct: Misconception: "Jesus says it's okay to be dishonest if you are clever, the end justifies the means." Catholic Correction: Never. The 7th and 8th Commandments forbid theft and deceit. CC...
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The Joy of God Who Seeks

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Lucas 15:1-10 - The Joy of God Who Seeks The Parables of the Lost Sheep  and the Lost Coin "There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance." - Lk 15:7 1. Introduction - Who is this Gospel for? My dear brothers and sisters, look at the first line of Luke today. It tells us everything. "The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to Jesus, and the Pharisees and scribes murmured." There are two groups around Jesus. The sinners who know they are lost, and the self-righteous who think they are found. And Jesus tells this parable for both . If you have ever felt far from God, this Gospel is for you. If you have ever judged someone who is far from God, this Gospel is also for you. Our God is not a God who waits. He is a God who seeks. 2. The Lost Sheep - God Leaves the Ninety-Nine The Story: A shepherd has 100 sheep. One is lost. What does he do? He leaves the 99 in the des...
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