Rejecting Modern Forms of Racism – Nov 12 – Homily – Fr Terrance
Views 37
Fr Terrance gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Nov 12, 2025, reflecting on how in Luke 17, Jesus heals ten lepers, but only the Samaritan returns to give thanks, highlighting themes of faith, gratitude, and God's inclusive love that breaks down racial barriers.
Father draws from Luke 17, recounting Jesus' journey from Galilee through Samaritan lands toward Jerusalem and the cross. Samaritans, a mixed Jewish-Gentile people with distinct beliefs, including their temple on Mount Gerizim, faced deep Jewish animosity. Ten lepers, isolated per Leviticus 13, cry out not 'Unclean!' but 'Jesus, Master, have mercy on us' (Luke 17:13). Jesus sends them to priests for verification (Luke 17:14), and en route, they are healed. Only one, a Samaritan, returns praising God loudly, prostrates at Jesus' feet in eucharistio—thanksgiving—and worships (Luke 17:15-16). Jesus accepts this, unlike corrections in Acts or Revelation. Father notes that St. Luke, the non-Jewish evangelist, emphasizes God's love extending beyond Jews, as in the Good Samaritan parable. Jesus laments, 'Was no one found to return except this foreigner?' (Luke 17:18), using allogenes for 'other race.' This ministry reconciles, dismantling barriers like the temple inscription barring foreigners under penalty of death. Echoing Galatians 3:28, 'neither Jew nor Greek... all one in Christ,' and Romans 10:12-13, 'no distinction... everyone who calls on the Lord will be saved,' Father declares racism incompatible with Christianity, citing KKK's anti-Catholic hatred and modern reverse racism tied to Marxist class struggle. Our Lady of Fatima warned of Russia's errors spreading Marxism, a satanic tactic pitting people against each other. Unaware of spiritual leprosy—sin—people fall prey. Jesus tells the Samaritan, 'Your faith has made you well' (Luke 17:19), healing physical and spiritual alienation. Father invites invoking Our Lady to recognize our need for Christ's cleansing from spiritual illnesses.
For Further Reading:
Luke 17:11-19 - NAB - Healing of the ten lepers, only Samaritan thanks Jesus - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/17?11
Leviticus 13 - NAB - Laws on diagnosing and isolating lepers - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/leviticus/13
Galatians 3:28 - NAB - Unity in Christ beyond divisions - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/galatians/3?28
Romans 10:12-13 - NAB - Salvation for all who call on the Lord - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/10?12
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1257 - Salvation comes through Christ alone - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p2s2c1a1.htm#1256
Catechism of the Catholic Church 1934-1938 - Created in God's image, equality of all - Text: http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p3s1c2a3.htm#1934
Catechism of the Catholic Church 2822-2827 - Acknowledging offenses and seeking mercy - Text: http://scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s2a3.htm#2822
Ave Maria!
Mass: St. Josaphat - Mem - http://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=71
Readings: Wednesday 32nd Week of Ordinary Time - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111225.cfm
1st: wis 6:2-11
Resp: psa 82:3-4, 6-7
Gsp: luk 17:11-19
More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1193&r=1549
Also on Facebook:
and YouTube: https://youtu.be/U9sOF_weIFQ
