Be Grateful!

In everything, give thanks to God. Our God is a merciful God. He shows compassion to all those who seek Him. We see this in today’s gospel. Ten lepers cried out to Jesus and all ten were healed. Jesus did not ask for credentials or promises or payment. Yet only one returned to give thanks for his healing. Why is that? Did the others forget who healed them in the midst of their joy at being healed? Did Jesus become less important to them since their prayers were answered? Were they not schooled in good manners? Jesus reminds us that our loving God deserves our gratitude for the blessings He has so freely given. Do we always recognize our blessings? If asked to compile a list, many people would include health, family, and friends. Some might even mention clean water, good food, and gainful employment. Would anyone include their old, falling apart, gas-guzzling jalopy? Probably not—unless they remembered that the alternative would be walking. What about the aches and pains suffered as our bodies age? They, too, are blessings when we remember that many people don’t live long enough to experience them. Let’s spend some time reflecting on and being grateful for all the blessings in our lives. Take a good look at them, not just for what they are, but for what our lives might be like without them. And thank God for each and every one