God’s judgment is impartial!

November 12, 2025 Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr
Daily Readings: Wisdom 6:1-11; Luke 17:11-19

The author of the Book of Wisdom addresses kings and judges in today’s first reading. It is a passage of admonition. Rulers must realize that their authority comes from God. It is a gift from Him. God will ask them for an account of their works and plans. They are servants of God’s kingdom. He will come upon them terribly and swiftly. God pardons the lowly but tests the mighty. He has a different parameter for them.

Rulers must follow the directions of the Lord, that they may learn wisdom and not transgress it. Those who observe holy things will be made holy. God instructs leaders to desire His words and long for them. Only then will they rule the nations with righteousness and escape God’s judgment.

Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem, His ultimate destination of passion, death, and resurrection. Luke, the evangelist, loves to say that Jesus looked forward to returning to His Father. He found Himself in a place between Samaria and Galilee. A group of ten lepers approached Him, calling Him by name and addressing Him as “Master.” They pleaded for His mercy. Jesus told them to do what was expected of a leper who was healed. We know that nine of them strictly followed the instructions of the healer. But in the process, they failed to return to the source of all healing. On the other hand, the tenth leper could not go to the priests; he returned to Jesus. All of them had faith, but only one, the Samaritan, expressed gratitude. That is why we can say: the nine were healed physically, but only one received spiritual benefits and shines as a role model of gratitude.

Call to Action: Faith and gratitude form a powerful combination, helping believers come closer to God and inspiring others to draw near to the Creator. Do I possess a faith that goes hand in hand with gratitude?