As we gather today, we are deep in Ordinary Time in the Church year. Ordinary Time is the liturgical season that focuses on the life and teachings of Christ: his travels, encounters, ministry, and miracles. It focuses on growing in faith and discipleship rather than celebrating specific feasts and solemnities. So, while “ordinary” in number (from the word ordinal), the stories are usually not ordinary (as in usual) in scope. Often they are about moments or events that are completely unexpected.

In today’s Gospel, ten lepers desperately seek healing from Jesus. They yell to him, calling him by name, asking for his pity. Jesus sees them and tells them to show themselves to the priests in order to be cleansed. After this miracle, only one returns to Jesus, glorifying God. The one who comes is a Samaritan – a foreigner who would probably be seen as the least likely to come back glorifying God. Jesus sends him forth, telling him that his faith saved him.

In this passage, the Samaritan’s faith was recognized in the way he glorified God. This is similar to what we see in the first reading. Naaman ritualistically plunges himself into the Jordan to be cleansed of leprosy. Upon his healing, he proclaims God as the one, true God. Naaman wholeheartedly declared a newfound faith.

These are powerful examples of what it means to recognize God with eyes of faith. As we look around today, let us consider where we recognize God in our lives and in those around us. As in our Scripture passages, God may be at work in unexpected places. But he is also in the mundane and daily moments of life, even in those things we take for granted: Having a roof over our heads, having food to eat, having breath in our lungs, and our relationships with friends and loved ones. All of these are from God and reminders of his presence and care in our lives. Even if we endure suffering, trials, and burdens, we can see him in the grace he gives us to persevere and endure.

Each day we are given opportunities to embrace this challenge. As we prepare to celebrate this Eucharist, may we ask the Lord for the grace to recognize his presence in all things, most especially in this Body and Blood that we are about to share, as well as in the lives of our brothers and sisters, near and far, who are also living signs of his presence in our lives.

(Fr. Michał Pająk, OMI, Oct. 12, 2025)