2 Kings 5:14-17 / 2 Tim 2:8-13 / Luke 17:11-19
For those of us who are into photography, whether as a professional or as an amateur, we will know how the camera, as well as photo taking has evolved.
We will remember it was bulky cameras that require a roll of film that usually comes in 24 or 36 exposures. And then the hassle of having to go to the shop to have the film developed into photographs. And we need to get photo albums so that we can insert the photographs of our precious moments.
Fast forward to the present moment, and almost everyone, including the children, can be photographers.
The smartphone has changed the concept of the camera and photo taking, as well as photographs.
Every smartphone has a camera, and anyone who has a smartphone can be a photographer.
And the film, the developing of the film, and maybe even photo albums are a thing of the past.
Because in the smartphone, there is a folder called “Albums” or “Photos”, and in there are all the photos taken with the smartphone.
So, we can see the photos immediately with the smartphone, do editing on the photos, and if we wish, we can send the photo by wireless to a printer.
Yes, it is so amazing that we can take a photo as and when we want, and without much hassle.
But one observation from all this technological development is that as much as many photos are taken with smartphones or cameras, we don't see that many hard copy photographs.
And with that, photo albums are a thing of the past. It may be even difficult to find one.
But if something is out of sight, then slowly it will be out of mind.
In the gospel, the 10 lepers approached Jesus, not because they want to take a photo of Him or take a photo with Him.
They had a desperate need, and they called out to Him: Jesus! Master! Take pity on us.
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go and show yourself to the priests.” That was the sign that Jesus had granted them the cure because the priests were the ones who would certify their recovery.
So, all 10 lepers were cured, but only one turn back and praised God at the top of his voice and threw himself down at the feet of Jesus and thank Him.
That made Jesus wonder about the attitude of the other nine who were also cured.
But what is really significant is what Jesus said to that man who came back to thank Him: Stand up and go on your way. Your faith has saved you.
All 10 were cured, but only one had faith and because of his faith he was saved.
For the other nine, Jesus was important at a time when they needed a cure from their disease.
It was like they took a photo of Jesus and it was a precious moment for them in their desperate need.
But when their need was granted, other things came into their lives and the memory of Jesus was slowly forgotten.
Except for that man who came back to thank Jesus. Jesus remained in his heart and in his life. That was his faith, and Jesus affirmed him of his faith.
So more than just being cured, his faith was ignited, and he gave thanks and he walked towards salvation.
We too had turned to Jesus and our prayers were answered and our needs were granted.
Let us always give thanks and remember Jesus in our hearts.
At the entrance of the church, there are prayer cards of the image of Jesus on one side and a short prayer on the other.
Let us keep that prayer card in our wallet or even on the home screen of our smartphones.
In our time of need, let us turn to Jesus and let us have the faith that He will answer our prayers.
And may we always give thanks to Jesus. Those with a grateful and thankful heart are on the road to salvation.