October 12, 2025 - One Bread, One Body

October 12, Twenty-Eighth Sunday Ordinary Time

Cycle C Readings:
1) 2 Kings 5:14-17
Psalm 98:1-4
2) 2 Timothy 2:8-13
Luke 17:11-19

“Do you want to be healed?” (JN 5:6)

“Go and show yourselves to the priests.” —Luke 17:14

In today’s first reading and the Gospel passage, the steps involved in the healings of leprosy were ordinary rather than spectacular (2 Kgs 5:14; Lk 17:14). Humble obedience was required of the lepers, who were not healed until they obeyed. These healings are similar to the seemingly ordinary healing power of the Sacraments (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1420-1421). We must partake of the sacraments to experience their healing effects. For example, the Sacrament of Reconciliation doesn’t take effect until we go and show ourselves to the priest in the Confessional (see Lk 17:14). After doing this, we are forgiven and healed.

It may seem like the healing in a sacrament is a somewhat impersonal transaction. Actually, the Sacraments are deeply personal. In Holy Communion, the flesh of the Lord Jesus dwells within our flesh (Jn 6:56; 17:23). In Confession, the priest, even though he may seem detached, is sitting in the person of Christ (Catechism, 1461, 1465). Through him, Jesus forgives your sin very personally. The other Sacraments are also administered through the personal touch of the Lord.

Naaman wanted a personal, spectacular healing (2 Kgs 5:11ff). But he got the results he wanted through ordinary obedience (2 Kgs 5:14). Through His Church, Jesus has poured out incredible healing power. “Do you want to be healed” badly enough to receive it through the Sacraments Jesus established in His Church? (Jn 5:6)

Prayer: Father, may I seek healing on Your terms.

Promise: “If we have died with Him we shall also live with Him; if we hold out to the end we shall also reign with Him.” —2 Tm 2:11-12

Praise: Praise You, healing Jesus, risen in splendor. Alleluia!

Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Imprimatur ("Permission to Publish") for One Bread, One Body covering the period from October 1, 2025, through November 30, 2025. †Most Reverend Steve J. Angi,  Chancellor, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio April 2, 2025."

The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.