The Story for the
Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost
October 11, 2020
prepared by the Rev’d Adam Brown
Luke 17:11-19
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, 13 they called out, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 When he saw them, he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were made clean. 15 Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. 16 He prostrated himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. 17 Then Jesus asked, “Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? 18 Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.”
Something to Do
Giving Thanks
Make a list of ten things in your life for which you are thankful. If you’re having a hard time, name something in your home, something in the city, something in nature, etc. If you have a smartphone or camera, try taking pictures of these things for when you need to remember them.
Thank You Notes
Once you have made your list of things for which you are thankful, choose as many or as few as you’d like and write it a short Thank You note. If you need inspiration, check out the Canticle of the Sun by Francis of Assisi, below.
Something to Wonder
The Canticle of the Sun
In the spirit of giving thanks to God for all Creation on this Thanksgiving weekend, I invite you to meditate on this ancient hymn.
In 1224, Saint Francis of Assisi was recovering from an illness at San Damiano. Throughout his illness, he composed a song known today as “The Canticle of Creation” or “The Canticle of the Sun”. The first time it was sung was by Francis himself on his deathbed, with Francis adding the final lines about ‘Sister Death’ just minutes before passing away. It also served as the inspiration for the well-known hymn “All Creatures of Our God and King”. Here is the text of that song (paraphrased slightly), written 796 years ago:
O all-powerful and Most High God,
To you are all praise, glory, honour, and blessing;
Your Holy Name beyond the capability of mortal lips.
Be praised, O God, through all your creatures,
Through Brother Sun, who brings the day;
Through him You shine light into the world.
He is beautiful and radiant in all his splendour!
Truly, he bears your likeness, O God.
Be praised, O God, through Sister Moon and the stars,
In heaven you formed them clear and precious and beautiful.
Be praised, O God, through Brother Wind,
And through the air, cloudy and serene,
And every kind of weather,
Through which you sustain life.
Be praised, O God, through Sister Water,
who overflows with life, purpose, humility, and purity.
Be praised, O God, through Brother Fire,
through whom you shine light into a darkened world.
He is beautiful, playful, robust, and strong.
Be praised, O God, through Sister Mother Earth,
who sustains us, and leads us,
Who gifts us with fresh fruits, colourful flowers, and herbs.
Be praised, O God, through those who give pardon for your love,
Through those who are sick, and those who are vulnerable.
Be praised, O God, through Sister Death,
Whom we all must face.
Our hearts break for those whom she finds sewing hate,
But we rejoice for those who have lived a life of love.
Praise and bless God in all you do,
Return to God all your thanks and gratitude,
And live your life walking humbly with the God and Creator of all.
Something to Learn
Leprosy in the Modern World
Learn more about the medical, social, and cultural impacts of leprosy in the modern world by watching this short documentary produced in partnership with the World Health Organization.
Something to Pray
Holy God, we do not always understand your word or your ways.
Give us wisdom and imagination and courage as we learn and grow.
The story this week has made me wonder about…
(what questions are still on your heart?)
Receive my questions and help me hear your answers.
The story this week has filled me with…
(how are you feeling?)
Accept my praise, heal my hurt, ease my worry.
The story this week has reminded me of…
(are there situations or people you are thinking of?)
Be with all who are in need of you.
In Jesus’ name, we pray.
Amen.