THE GRATUITOUS LOVE OF JESUS
Ingratitude is forgetfulness
or a poor return for kindness received. It easily leads to lack of charity and
intolerance towards others, as well as to other sins, such as discontent,
dissatisfaction, complaining, grumbling, pride and presumption.
After reading Luke's Gospel
passage, you might ask the question: Why did only one - a Samaritan - out of
ten lepers return to show gratitude? Gratefulness is related to grace, which
means the release of loveliness. Gratitude is the homage of the heart, which
responds with graciousness in expressing an act of thanksgiving. The Samaritan
approached Jesus reverently and gave praise to God. If we do not recognize and
appreciate the mercy shown us we will be ungrateful.
How often have we been
ungrateful to our parents, teachers, neighbors and those who are around us
daily? May we express gratitude to God for His mercy and may we show mercy to
those around us as well.
We are delighted to hear that
one returns to praise and thank Jesus. After all, we do appreciate it when
people acknowledge the gifts given to them. But the one leper who returns and
gives thanks is a Samaritan - a mixed breed; an outcast. He's a
"foreigner", someone outside of the community of God's People. In the
midst of his unpopularity, he points us, as faithful people, to God who makes
us whole!
In the Gospel acclamation we
pray, "In all circumstances, give thanks, for this is the will of God for
you in Christ Jesus." Our gratitude should come even before faith, hope
and charity, because these three virtues can only follow from our first having
a positive relationship with God. Our Blessed Mother's prayer, the Magnificat,
shows us how self-esteem and gratitude naturally lead to praise and to a full
Christian life for each one of us.