Today's Read Contributor On October 12, 2025, Fr. Sam delivered a powerful homily titled “The Brutal Truth of ‘Thank You'”, offering profound insights on the theme of gratitude as it relates to the Gospel reading of the ten lepers. The homily, which has been widely shared and appreciated within the Catholic community, encourages believers to reflect on the deeper meaning of giving thanks, not just as a casual gesture, but as an essential aspect of the spiritual life.
In his homily, Fr. Sam focused on the story of the ten lepers from the Gospel, where only one of the ten, a Samaritan, returns to Jesus to express his gratitude for being healed. Fr. Sam explored the deeper implications of this moment, emphasizing how the act of returning thanks is often overlooked or underappreciated, even when a significant blessing has been received. Through this biblical account, he highlighted the idea that gratitude is not just a polite response to favor, but a sacred duty and a sign of true faith.
Fr. Sam’s reflection on the “brutal truth” of gratitude was rooted in the idea that being truly thankful requires more than just words—it requires an acknowledgment of God’s grace and a recognition of the profound ways in which He works in our lives. The homily challenged his listeners to consider their own responses to God’s blessings. Just as the Samaritan leper was the only one to return and thank Jesus, Fr. Sam suggested that we, too, might often fail to recognize the importance of expressing our gratitude for the everyday miracles in our lives.
Read Also: https://todaysread.com/wendy-kendalls-whimsical-mysteries-delight-readers/
The reflection resonated deeply with many in the congregation and beyond. The simplicity of Fr. Sam’s message, combined with its emotional and spiritual depth, struck a chord with those who heard it. Many readers of the homily, particularly those within the Catholic community, shared how it prompted them to pause and reflect on their own thankfulness, not only to God but also to the people around them. Fr. Sam’s words highlighted that gratitude should not be confined to moments of extraordinary events or blessings but should permeate our daily lives, serving as a constant reminder of the goodness in our world.
This homily is an example of Fr. Sam’s ability to take a well-known Gospel passage and provide a fresh, challenging perspective that speaks directly to the hearts of his audience. His focus on the importance of returning thanks—as demonstrated by the one leper who turned back to Jesus—reminds all believers of the power and necessity of gratitude in their walk of faith. The message echoes a timeless truth: gratitude is not just a response to a gift, but a spiritual practice that brings us closer to God.
Fr. Sam’s reflection, while rooted in scripture, also addressed contemporary issues such as the tendency to take blessings for granted and the fast-paced nature of modern life that often leaves little room for pause and reflection. His homily serves as a reminder to slow down and acknowledge the goodness in our lives, encouraging individuals to be more intentional in their expressions of thanks, both to God and to others.
As the homily continues to circulate, its impact is clearly felt far beyond the walls of the church. Fr. Sam’s exploration of the Gospel reading has not only deepened the spiritual lives of many but has also sparked a broader conversation within the Catholic community about the importance of gratitude in fostering stronger relationships with God and one another. Through his insights, Fr. Sam has offered a timeless message that resonates with readers and serves as an invitation to live a life marked by greater awareness and thankfulness.
