In the liturgical cycle, the XIII Sunday after Pentecost brings us into a profound meditation on faith and gratitude, themes that are central to the readings from Galatians 3:16-22 and Luke 17:11-19. Through the lens of these passages, the Church invites us to consider the continuity of God’s promises, the role of the Law, and the transformative power of faith and thanksgiving.
The Promise and the Law: Understanding Galatians 3:16-22
In his letter to the Galatians, St. Paul delves into the relationship between the Law and the promise made to Abraham. He writes, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ as of many; but as of one, ‘And to your offspring,’ who is Christ” (Gal. 3:16). This distinction is crucial: the promise was made not to many, but to one, and that one is Christ. The Church Fathers, particularly St. Augustine, saw in this passage a clear affirmation of the unity of God’s plan of salvation—a plan that centers entirely on Christ, who is the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham.
St. Augustine explains that the Law, which came 430 years later, was not given to annul the promise, but to prepare humanity for its fulfillment in Christ. The Law served as a tutor, guiding the people towards Christ by revealing sin and the need for redemption (cf. Gal. 3:24). It was a necessary stage in God’s pedagogy, leading to the grace that would come through faith in Christ. The promise, therefore, was always superior to the Law because it was based on God’s grace and not human works.
In reflecting on this, we are reminded that our faith, like that of Abraham, is rooted not in the Law or in our works, but in the grace and promise of God. This grace is fulfilled in Christ, who invites us into a covenant relationship based on faith, not on the observance of the Law. St. John Chrysostom emphasizes that this faith is not passive but active, manifesting in a life transformed by the Holy Spirit—a theme echoed in the Gospel reading.
The Grateful Samaritan: Lessons from Luke 17:11-19
The Gospel reading from Luke 17:11-19 presents the story of the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus, yet only one returned to give thanks. This passage invites us to reflect on the nature of faith and the necessity of gratitude in our spiritual lives.
St. Ambrose of Milan draws our attention to the spiritual significance of this miracle. The lepers, outcasts due to their condition, symbolize the spiritual state of humanity afflicted by sin. Their cry, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us,” is a model of the prayer of the faithful, who must acknowledge their need for divine mercy. Jesus’ response, instructing them to show themselves to the priests, not only adheres to the Mosaic Law but also signifies the beginning of their restoration to the community—both physically and spiritually.
However, the key to this passage lies in the response of the one leper who returned, a Samaritan, who fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. St. Cyril of Alexandria notes that this man’s gratitude is an expression of his faith, a faith that recognizes Jesus not merely as a healer but as the source of salvation. This gratitude is more than a social courtesy; it is an act of worship, acknowledging the divine power and mercy at work.
The contrast between the nine who did not return and the one who did serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of gratitude. As St. Gregory the Great observes, it is often the case that those who receive the greatest favors from God are the least grateful. True faith, therefore, is inseparable from gratitude. It is not enough to receive God’s gifts; we must also recognize their source and respond with a heart full of thanksgiving.
Living the Lessons of Faith and Gratitude
As we meditate on these readings in the context of the XIII Sunday after Pentecost, we are called to examine our own lives. Are we living in the faith of Abraham, trusting in God’s promises fulfilled in Christ? Are we like the Samaritan leper, who, recognizing the grace of God, returns with a heart full of gratitude? The readings challenge us to go beyond mere observance of the Law and to enter into a deeper relationship with God, one that is marked by an active faith and a spirit of thankfulness.
In the spirit of this Sunday, let us renew our commitment to live by faith in the promises of God, constantly aware of His grace at work in our lives. Let us also cultivate a habit of gratitude, recognizing that every good thing comes from Him, and let our thanksgiving be an expression of our faith. In doing so, we follow the example of the saints and the teachings of the Church Fathers, who remind us that faith without gratitude is incomplete, and that a grateful heart is the truest sign of a life transformed by grace.