The message of gratitude is clear in this text. This healed man, this Samaritan, “threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him”. He was filled with praise and thanks for the gift of being healed. Even more so, he was thankful for Jesus.
God blesses us abundantly time after time. We are thankful for these blessings, but our focus
is often more on the blessing than on God. We ask for graces, mercies and gifts and give thanks when our prayers are answered. The questions to ask ourselves are, are we more focused on the gift or the giver? Do we offer ourselves back to God in thanksgiving and gratitude for his gifts? Does our faith overflow with praise and gratitude?
The difference between the Samaritan and the other nine was faith. The Samaritan was grateful, while
the others seemed indifferent despite the gift of healing. Faith was what made the Samaritan turn to God, return to thank Jesus and become a disciple.
Let us remember to be grateful in the good and bad times. St Ignatius of Loyola reminds us to “find God in all things” and to pray the Examen daily. The invitation today is to look over your day, week, month, or year and notice where God has been at work.
How can you offer gratitude for all that God has given you?
Reflections by Gillian Hugo
