The readings for this Sunday bring us face-to-face with a profound distinction and truth: healing is poured out broadly to those who call upon the Lord, while salvation is for those who seek him through faith, perseverance, and personal relationship.
In the first reading, Naaman the Syrian, a foreigner, plunges into the Jordan and is cleansed of his leprosy. His healing is immediate, but what follows is even more important—his recognition of the God of Israel as the one true God. Healing opened the door, but it was gratitude and conversion of heart that drew him toward salvation.
The Gospel account of the ten lepers echoes this truth. All ten are healed by the merciful word of Jesus, yet only one—the Samaritan, a foreigner—returns in thanksgiving. His healing was not merely of the body but of the heart. To him alone Jesus says, “Your faith has saved you.” While ten were healed, only one was saved. This distinction is striking: all who cry out in their need can experience God’s healing touch, but salvation requires the deeper response of gratitude, faith, and the turning of one’s life toward God. Healing can restore us, but salvation transforms us.
Paul’s words to Timothy remind us that salvation is bound up with suffering, fidelity, and enduring in Christ. Healing can be a moment, but salvation is a lifelong journey of faith. While we may falter or be unfaithful, Christ remains faithful—ever inviting us back into communion with him. Yet salvation is not automatic; it requires our yes, our perseverance, and our willingness to acknowledge the Lord as Savior.
Today, in a world plagued by crises of care, where many seek healing—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual— these readings challenge us to look beyond the gift to the Giver. Healing may restore us to health, but salvation offers eternal life. Healing may bring relief for a season, but salvation brings communion with God forever. Gratitude, faith, and the willingness to follow Christ are what bridge the gap between receiving a gift and embracing the fullness of salvation. Thus, we are reminded: God’s mercy is wide, his healing is abundant, but salvation is personal. It requires the grateful heart that returns, the faithful heart that endures, and the surrendered heart that proclaims: “Jesus is Lord.”
Hence, let us introspect:
1. When have I received healing or blessings from God without returning in gratitude?
2. Do I seek only the gifts of God, or am I truly seeking God himself?
3. How can I deepen my response of faith so that healing moments in my life lead me closer to salvation?
Rev. Rashmi Fernando, SJ
I am a Jesuit priest and educator from the island nation of Sri Lanka, historically known as Serendib or Ceylon. I have been blessed to receive Jesuit formation and higher education across Asia, Europe, and America. Most recently, I earned my Doctorate in Interdisciplinary Leadership in Education (Ed.D.) from Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, USA, where my dissertation explored global citizenship through the lens of undergraduates’ study-abroad experiences. Deeply convinced of the power of positive narratives that education can create, I believe it holds the key to addressing the ‘care-crises’ that weigh upon humanity and our shared ‘common home,’ while also emancipating individuals and communities. In addition to serving as an online faculty member with Jesuit Worldwide Learning (JWL)—Jesuit Higher Education in the Margins— to students in Africa and the Middle East, I am currently assigned to Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Determined to make a distinctive, active, and intellectually grounded contribution through Jesuit higher education, I am deeply passionate about reading, writing, and teaching on global citizenship, interdisciplinary leadership, and justice and peacebuilding. In this spirit, I hold close the words of Helen Steiner Rice: “Life is a fabric, weave it with tender care; Upon the loom of life, your pattern is rare.” While I cherish the uniqueness that defines my own life and journey, I am equally committed and eager to recognizing, celebrating, and defending the uniqueness of others—believing that true beauty is revealed where there is unity in diversity, and diversity in unity.
Keep smiling—because God loves you always! I mean, ALWAYS!
