As you said so yourself, this is your own interpretation of the gospel reading. Though we can never know if that was actually the case, it does seem plausible.

Either way it is very thought-provoking.

Thanks for sharing

Talk about an examination of the conscience.

Anyways, I think you missed a few of important points.

First and foremost, the nine lepers were doing exactly what Jesus told them to do, go to the priest! They were following God’s command. As you have pointed out before, disobeying a command by God usually brings dire consequences. So, listen to God.

Second, since Jesus was traveling, we don’t know if any of the nine lepers returned after they had seen the priest only to find Jesus had already left. (Which bring up an interesting point that you touched on today, have you ever wondered what happened to all the people Jesus healed or saved? They all seem to disappear into the crowd never to be heard from again.)

Lastly, the Samaritan. As you know, the Samaritans and Jews did not get along at all. This particular Samaritan was with the other Jews only because of a disease that didn’t discriminate, they had to put up with each other whether they liked it or not. That being said, why did he return? Well, the obvious answer is he didn’t have a priest to go to to tell that he was cured! Where else was he to go? Or, maybe he was another example of a “Good” Samaritan? Or maybe just a good person? We’ll never know his answer. In the end, Jesus tell us that his faith has saved him. I’m guessing the reason the Samaritan is saved is because he recognized who cured him and to give thanks. Maybe the other nine just didn’t give thanks.

What’s more important?

Mark