How frighteningly like the nine lepers we are! Most of us are only too ready to implore God's help when we are in desperate need. Yet, how quick we are to forget once God's job is done! 'Lord, teach us not only to seek you in times of need, but also to be always more ready to give you glory and praise"

By ourselves we are just weaklings, people such as those described in the reading from the Letter to Titus. How apt it is to portray us as beings who just survive from day to day, "slaves to our passions and pleasures" We all possess the undesirable elements of envy, foolishness, hatefulness and malice. But God is ever generous and merciful. He pours into us the Holy Spirit, who uplifts us to a higher horizon.

If we recognize the gift of God, we will be able to project the divine image better. We will be gentle, honest, courteous and peaceful. Avoiding quarrels, we will speak evil of no one. But Lord, how easily do we fail to recognize the gift of Your Spirit!