I. Introduction

While preparing this sermon, I found myself imagining what might occur if everyone in the world — or even just half or two-thirds of its people — took a few moments on a single day to humbly express gratitude toward God. What might God's response be if everyone sincerely showed appreciation for life, health, loved ones, home, work, and more, while doing so with humility and complete submission? Will we experience a feeling of peacefulness, and will we witness miracles? Will people be healed? I was reflecting on this because I believe God seeks our attention and wants us to be humble and grateful for what has been done for us. I believe God wants this world to turn towards God in peace and love. As I was envisioning this picture, my heart was filled with gratitude for all that God wants to give us... peace, love, joy and a good life. Even the beautiful fall colors of the tree outside my office window, and the flurry of bird activity outside and across the street did not match this feeling I had inside of me. If only this vision were to come true, I thought...

II. Be Grateful and Humble before God

This morning both scriptures speak to us about God's gift of life and healing from one of the worst diseases people were suffering in the Old and New Testament. Leprosy is a skin disease with symptoms like swellings, scabs, spots, and flaky skin that may affect parts or all of the body. Though still a challenge in some areas today, it historically led to stigma and isolation for those afflicted during the Old and New Testament periods. Once those suffering from the disease were declared unclean by a priest, they were put in isolation, where they would support one another in their difficult situation. They could only be declared clean again by a priest.

Naaman is described as a prominent figure, holding significant status in the army of Aram and maintaining a close relationship with the King; however, he suffered from leprosy. Through a young woman who was captured from Israel, and who served Naaman's wife, she connected them with Elisha, the prophet in Israel, who was able to heal those suffering from leprosy. Naaman traveled to meet Elisha but was instructed to immerse himself seven times in the Jordan River, after which he would be cleaned and restored. Being an important figure, he got angry and wondered why he could not do that in the rivers in Damascus, and why this prophet could not see him personally. He left, but was challenged by his workers about his reaction, saying, "If the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more then, when he tells you, ‘Wash and be cleansed!' At this point he went and dipped himself in the Jordan River, was cleansed and his flesh was restored and became like that of a young boy, we read in verse 14. He then went to see Elisha and acknowledged God as the only God in the universe.

In Luke, the ten lepers who were healed by Jesus left to tell the priest so they could be declared clean again. However, among them was a Samaritan, the foreigner, who turned around and praised God and threw himself at Jesus' feet, thanking him for what He had done. Jesus' response is that of surprise or maybe shock that none of the others came back to thank God, but this Samaritan who was regarded as a stranger and outcast.

III. Conclusion

Dear members and friends, both passages clearly articulate the aspects that are significant in our relationship with God. Loving God involves releasing pride and arrogance and practicing humility and gratitude. God wants us to even learn from the stranger who shows gratitude when we fail to do so. It is our calling to live in humility and gratitude, and not to take for granted what we have, and what God has given us. May God help us to live our lives according to these values and may we all see visions of masses of people praising God, in humility and gratitude. May God transform our hearts and bless us all. Amen.