18th Sunday after Pentecost
Stewardship Emphasis
Text: Luke 17:11-19
Pastor Jean M. Hansen
Here we are on the steward-SHIP, stronger together; we have our small replicas of the ship, complete with individual cargo, ready to launch. You know … I was wondering this week if our ship needs a name other than “steward”? People come up with creative names for their boats; maybe we can too. Here are some examples: “A Wave from it All” (away from it all), “Seas the Day” (seize the day) and instead of escapades, “Fishcapades.” Knowing the cost of fuel, here’s a good one, “Fuelish Pleasure (foolish pleasure).” Maybe one of you creative types can come up with a name for our steward-SHIP using the word or concept of gratitude.
Why gratitude? Because you can’t have stewardship without gratitude. As Dr. David Lose wrote, “Stewardship is not first about giving, but about seeing all that we have been given and rejoicing (being grateful) in a way that cannot help but shape how we act.” Today’s Gospel reading paints a picture of gratitude coming from an unexpected source.
We are told about Jesus’ interaction with 10 lepers, people with a skin disease that was debilitating, and was so contagious and feared that those who had it were segregated into colonies far from mainstream society and family. They not only were ill, but labeled as sinners, because why else would they have ended up with this terrible ailment? It was their punishment, people thought.
There were strict rules about people with leprosy being in public; they had to remain a certain number of feet away from others and cry out in warning so people knew they were in the vicinity. Can you imagine? “I’m here! Don’t come near! They had to protect others from themselves. That’s not exactly a positive boost to one’s self-esteem.
It’s difficult to discern if the lepers in today’s story purposely sought Jesus out or if their paths just happened to cross. Whatever the case, they knew who he was and what he could do for them, and they cried out for mercy (compassion, forgiveness). And…Jesus saw them. We’ve noted that phrase in other places in the Gospel, particularly in reference to the woman who had been bent-over, unable to stand up straight, for 18 years. Jesus saw her and set her free from her ailment. (Luke 13:10-17)
Jesus saw people in ways no one else could, he saw their physical suffering, social isolation and spiritual despair, all of which he saw in these 10 people with leprosy. So, while they were still unclean, he sent them to the priest for a certificate of cleanliness, which was the only way they could re-enter society. To their credit, they all went, stepping out in faith as if they had already been healed. Because of that, “as they went, they were made clean.” Nine continued on to the priest and one returned with gratitude to Jesus.
Now, before we are too critical of the nine, let’s remind ourselves that they were following Jesus’ command to go to the priest. And think about how excited they must have been; their nightmare was over and as soon as they had that certificate in hand, they could begin to rebuild their lives and be reunited with loved ones. No doubt, in that moment of transformation, they were so excited that they lost track of returning with gratitude to Jesus.
But not the one; he went back to Jesus even before going to the priest. Surprisingly, this one who returned was considered doubly unclean – at least to the Jews. He was a Samaritan, an enemy of the Jews and, as far as they were concerned, of God. But, once again, Jesus includes the excluded. And the excluded one not only was seen but saw Jesus.
Of the 10, he was the one who saw the implication of what had happened to him and identified Jesus as more than a gifted rabbi, but as the very power and presence of God. As his skin cleared on the way to the priest, he truly saw Jesus and turned around, rejoicing all the way, to express his gratitude. He not only was physically healed but received spiritual healing as well. “Your faith has made you well,” Jesus said, which also could be translated, “Your faith has saved you.” He had been drawn back into relationship with God and others.
Let’s go back to that quote by Dr. Lose. “Stewardship is not first about giving, but about seeing all that we have been given and rejoicing in a way that cannot help but shape how we act.” Our experience may not be as dramatic as the one who turned back to thank Jesus, but if follows a similar pattern. First, we see the gifts God has given us, acknowledging that all that we are and have is a gift from God. Second, we pause our busyness long enough to feel gratitude. Third, we express that gratitude in what we do, in how we give of ourselves and our resources. (Commitment Sunday gives us the opportunity to intentionally take all three of those steps, with the ministry of Jesus at FLC in mind.) Finally, gratitude transforms us and impacts others.
I recently came across a list of how those who are grateful can extend that gratitude in simple ways that touch lives. There were more than 100 possibilities; I’m going to share 15 of them:
1. Be a patient listener.
2. Compliment someone to increase their self-worth.
3. Share your knowledge and expertise.
4. Believe that there’s goodness in everyone.
5. Understand instead of passing judgment.
6. Thank the people who rarely get gratitude, like the service workers, housekeeping staff, and security personnel.
7. Help an elderly or disabled neighbor with yard work.
8. Make new neighbors feel welcome.
9. Offer to babysit kids for a single parent struggling with work and childcare.
10. Teach your children the importance of giving back.
11. Give credit where credit is due.
12. Talk to people who are having a hard time socializing
13. Forgive the people who have wronged you even before they asked for it.
14. Take time to write a great review whenever you like the food or have received excellent service.
15. Stay calm even when people are being rude to you. (2)
When we live our lives in a state of gratitude, that will transform our bodies, our minds and will impact our community too. God’s name will be truly glorified in us and through us. And, so, we set sail on the steward-SHIP…stronger together. Perhaps we’ll come up with a new name for our ship. How about the “Waves of Gratitude” because it transports us to higher and higher levels of grace? All Aboard! AMEN
(1) “Commentary on Luke 17:11-19” by David Lose, www.workingpreacher.org
(2) “100 Ways to Help Others Even if You’re Not Rich” by Judy Ponio, January 8, 2024, www.ofhsoupkitchen.org