Giving Thanks
Pope Francis repeatedly asked, “How many times do we say ‘Thank you’ in our families, our community, and in the Church?” He urged believers to make thanksgiving a habit of daily life.
One of the key teachings in today’s Gospel is the essential Christian duty of gratitude. Acting in obedience to Jesus, the ten lepers were healed while they walked to go to the priests. However, only the Samaritan returned to thank Jesus and fell at his feet giving praise to God. “It seems that no one has come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner.” (Luke 17:18) The Church teaches that this act of thanksgiving is the completion of the healing: the Samaritan’s gratitude makes the gift of health a relationship with Christ, not merely a physical cure.
“Every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving” (CCC 2638). The Samaritan modelled for us the Church’s call to turn every grace into a prayer of thanks. Pope Francis repeatedly emphasised that “to be able to offer thanks, to be able to praise the Lord for what He has done for us” is essential. It is essential because through thanksgiving we recognise that everything we are, and have, is a gift from God. Being thankful allows us to recognise God’s grace, overcome entitlement, and express certainty that we are loved by God. Thanksgiving cultivates Joy and Hope. With gratitude we develop humility, generosity, and a spirit of service. It fuels spiritual growth.
We are urged to make thanksgiving a habit in everyday life: before meals, at work, in family and community. Every time. Everywhere. Let us live out the Church’s teaching that thanksgiving is a perpetual disposition, rooted in the Eucharist, expressed in the Divine Office, and manifested in the ordinary rhythms of life.
Blessed Sunday to all. Randy Reyes
