All People and All Places!

Sunday, October 12, 2025

Twenty-Eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time

2 Kings 5:14-17; 2 Tim 2:8-13; Lk 17:11-19

The twenty-eighth Sunday invites us to remain open to the universality of God’s inspiration.

The readings of the day help us reflect on the theme. 

The first reading describes Naaman’s healing. The greatness of Naaman is described in 2 Kings 5:1, where he is said to be a great commander, highly regarded, victorious, and valiant. However, the Syrian commander’s conversion and faith in YHWH happen with the healing from prophet Elisha, after plunging into the Jordan River seven times. At his conversion, Naaman professes faith in YHWH and commits to worship no other God. However, what is more interesting is the request of Naaman to carry soil from Israel. This request of Naaman suggests that he wants to worship YHWH on ‘Holy Ground’ even while living in a pagan land. By his unique request, Naaman shows that his conversion is total and complete. 

In the second reading, we find St. Paul encouraging Timothy to remain steadfast in faith, following his own example, just as he himself imitates Christ in his suffering. Paul’s letter, written during his imprisonment, intends to persuade Timothy as he encounters hardship in ministry. There are two beautiful insights coming from Paul. At first, he identifies suffering as participation in Christ’s mission. Underlining the high cost of discipleship, Paul argues that while suffering does not mean our faith is in vain, discipleship is an imitation of Christ even in his sufferings. However, the assurance of suffering is not the final word from Paul. Hence, in the second instance, Paul talks of the glory of perseverance, showing that Christian faith is founded on the resurrection of Christ. Just as Christ rose from his suffering to glory, we who believe in him will also partake of the privilege when we show hope and perseverance. 

The Gospel highlights faith in unexpected places and people. The healing of ten lepers happens in a Gentile territory. Though all ten were healed, the one who shows gratitude is a Gentile. While Jesus is disappointed that only one comes back to thank him for the cure, he turns the Samaritan into an example of faith to the chosen people. Citing the example of the Samaritan, Jesus demonstrates that sometimes we learn the most valuable lesson from places and people we least expect. This particular healing narrative leaves behind two powerful insights for our reflection. Firstly, we should not compartmentalize God’s grace as belonging to only one section of people. God’s grace is universal, and we all have the duty to respond to it. Secondly, we must not remain biased against any person or group based on our preconceived ideas. We need to open ourselves to the truth of God’s inclusive love. 

The week’s readings leave behind ideas for contemplation and action. 

1. Naaman’s conversion is an example that our conversion must be honored by justifying actions. Only our corresponding actions justify our conversion.

2. In his letter to Timothy, Paul gives him hope. Giving hope is the modern form of evangelisation. Today, hope is to be presented as the Good News of Jesus Christ. 

3. To be a Christian is to remain open to God’s working style. God does not prefer people or places. Hence, inspiration for discipleship can come from any person or place if we remain open and spontaneous. 

Let us pray that we may remain open to God’s inspiration coming from all people and places.

Fr. Dhinakaran Savariyar