Things to talk about:

• The ten lepers cried out to Jesus to heal them. Do you think Jesus would have healed them if they hadn’t asked? Why or why not?
• Does Jesus still heal people today?
• Who are the lepers of our day? What is our response to them?
• Jesus teaches us that it is important to be thankful to God. What is one thing you are thankful for today?
• We can change people’s lives by showing compassion. Who do you know that might be in need of your compassionate help?

Things to do:

• The leper from Samaria returned to give glory to God and thank Jesus for healing him. Share with at least one person this week how your faith has saved you.
• Go to formed.org and search for videos about St. Carlo Acutis. New to FORMED? Go to FORMED.org/signup; Enter the parish zip code (30066) or enter Transfiguration and select the parish . Enter your name and email Already have a FORMED Account?  Visit FORMED.org; Click Sign In; Enter your email; Click the link in your email; You’re in!
• Saint Carlo Acutis feast day is October 12. He used his interest in computers to help others learn about the faith. How can you use technology to glorify God?
• Like the leper who returned to thank Jesus, take time each day this week to thank God for the blessings of your day. Consider using bedtime as a time to review your day and count your blessings.

Closing Prayer

October is the month of the rosary. Pray a decade of the rosary this week.

When we pray the rosary, we remember the important events of Jesus’ life. On Sundays, we typically pray the Glorious Mysteries. To find the prayers of the rosary and the Glorious Mysteries, visit: https://www.usccb.org/how-to-pray-the-rosary

Name those who need our prayers. Close with the Sign of the Cross.

Catholic Insights

The story of the Ten Lepers is a lesson about faith and reminds us that faith is sometimes found in unlikely places. Ten people afflicted with leprosy cry out to Jesus. Jesus heals all 10. However, only one is described as glorifying God and returning to thank Jesus. The one who returns is a Samaritan, a foreigner. In Jesus’ time, Samaritans were looked down upon because of the differences between the two communities in their observance of Judaism. It is important to note, that Jesus commends the Samaritan for his faith, which has been his salvation. This story is not just about healing; it is about salvation—a sign of the reign of God in our midst.

There is so much to learn from this encounter. God shows that it doesn’t matter who we are, where we are from, his love is for all. He offers salvation to all and freely gives this gift if we say “yes.” God’s grace is for all. Secondly, all blessings come from God. Having a grateful heart and showing compassion for others is our way to thank and glorify God.

This week in Alpha we explore “Why and How should I read the Bible?” God speaks to us through the Scriptures; we learn of God’s unfathomable love and how we are called to live a life of discipleship.

Did you know….that today leprosy is known as Hansen’s disease? St Damien was a priest from Belgium who dedicated his life to working with people with leprosy. He lived and worked on Molokai, one of the Hawaiian Islands. He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009 and his feast day is October 11.

Resources adapted from 52Sundays.com, Celebrating the Lectionary, At Home with the Word, Celebrating Families, Sunday Connection