Education Department

2025 - 1 - 14

Miracles, Lepers, and Life Lessons: Dive into this Week's Gospel!

Compassion - Department of Religious Education - Faith - Gospel reading - Gratitude - Hansen's disease - Healing of ten lepers - Mental health - Sunday Sermon Series

Join us for a deep dive into the Gospel message about ten lepers and discover the powerful lessons hidden in this miraculous story!

The Department of Religious Education (DRE) is excited to present this weekโ€™s Sunday Sermon Series. This week, we delve into the profound Gospel reading which narrates the miraculous healing of ten lepers by Jesus. As we prepare for our Sunday service, letโ€™s unfold the layers of this compelling narrative and the invaluable life lessons it offers.

In the Gospel, Jesus encounters ten lepers who plead for His mercy. These individuals, marginalized and ostracized by society, represented not only those suffering from physical ailments but also those experiencing emotional and social isolation. What makes this story truly remarkable is how Jesus responds to their plight. Instead of shying away, He approaches them with compassion and commands them to go show themselves to the priests, reflecting His belief in their healing even before it happens.

The significance of this healing extends beyond the physical; it emphasizes the power of faith and the importance of gratitude. As the lepers journey to the priests, they experience healing, yet only one of them returns to thank Jesus. This poignant moment raises questions about our own responses to kindness and miracles in our lives. Are we quick to acknowledge the blessings we receive? The narrative challenges us not only to seek healing and help but also to recognize and express gratitude for those who assist us along our journeys.

As we gather this Sunday, let us reflect on the themes of healing, faith, and thankfulness presented in this Gospel. We encourage the community to come together and share their experiences of mercy and gratitude. Together, we can support one another in cultivating an attitude of thankfulness and realize the importance of acknowledging the little miracles in our everyday lives.

Did you know that leprosy is not just a biblical concept? In modern medicine, leprosy is known as Hansen's disease and is treated with antibiotics. The history of leprosy has often been accompanied by stigma, just as it was in biblical times, reminding us that compassion transcends time and context. Also, the act of giving thanks is shown to have positive impacts on mental health - studies show that practicing gratitude can improve overall well-being and happiness! So, as we commemorate this powerful story, letโ€™s undertake a practice of gratitude this week and spread some kindness of our own!

Post cover
Image courtesy of "Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America"

Department of Religious Education (DRE)'s Sunday Sermon Series ... (Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America)

This week, find insights about the upcoming Gospel reading, where we learn about Jesus healing ten lepers.

Explore the last week