Daily reflection _ the gratuituous love of Jesus


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.  
Deacon John Ruscheinsky
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.