The miracle story of the cure of the Lepers intends to tell us that the stranger, a Samaritan, recognized Jesus because he saw, was converted and believed as he returned to Jesus to express his gratitude. However, the rest, the nine others, the Israelites failed to do so.

Verse 19 of the Gospel reading reveals the message that Jesus brings salvation to all including the non-Jews who were open to the grace of salvation. In curing the sick, Jesus also integrated the persons concerned into communion, restored them to wholeness. This results in a new relationship with God for the person.

A similar effect is observed in the cure of Naaman in the first reading when he said, "... because your servant will no longer offer holocausts or sacrifice to any god except the Lord." A 'new' person has emerged, that is, when we are able to 'see' God at work in life through Jesus and believe in Him. This will move us to be grateful for all that we have received and are blessed with. As a result we will also experience what St Paul said: "If we have died with him, then we shall live with him, if we hold firm, then we shall reign with him ...".