St. Matthew Catholic Church

Weekly Message     

42. Hope + Faith = Gratitude

Dear brothers and sisters,   

       Our faith is a gift from God – if rooted in God and His Words the grace of God nurtures (last week). This is revealed in the healings of Naaman the pagan commander, and the Samaritan. Their healing was rooted in obedience to God’s Word. These healings reveal three movements of faith and invite us to reflect on our faith.

Humility: Naaman expected a dramatic miracle, but instead, the prophet Elisha instructed him to bathe in the simple waters of the Jordan. Only when Naaman humbled himself did healing come. The ten lepers, outcast of their community, cried out to Jesus from a distance; unworthy to come closer to Him.

Obedience: The cleansing wasn’t in the water itself but in obedience to God’s command. Naaman’s pride nearly blocked his healing, but his surrender opened the way to grace. Jesus commanded the lepers to go and show themselves to the priest. No questions or doubts; all obeyed Jesus’ Words. On the way they were healed.

Gratitude: After healing, Naaman glorified God, confessed his faith in the living God. His reward was not just a physical restoration but also conversion of heart. The leper Samaritan returned instantly to glorify God and showed himself to Jesus, the priest.

     Physical restoration is temporary; spiritual healing lasts forever. When we glorify God in gratitude, He rewards us with more than we asked for—peace, deeper faith, and salvation.

     May our lives glorify God, not only in the moments of healing, but in everything we do.

Prayers and Blessings!

Msgr. Xavier Pappu
                                      Insert:  Giving to God/Dar a Dios.pdf

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