Gratitude

Readings for Wednesday November 11, 2009

Memorial of Saint Martin of Tours, bishop

First Reading: Wisdom 6:1-11
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 82
Gospel: Luke 17:11-19


As Jesus continued his journey to Jerusalem, he traveled through Samaria and Galilee. As he was entering a village, ten lepers met him. They stood at a distance from him and raised their voice, saying, “Jesus, Master! Have pity on us!” And when he saw them, he said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” As they were going they were cleansed. And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, “Ten were cleansed, were they not?
Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” Then he said to him, “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.” (Lk 17:11-19)

When first readings today's gospel, we immediately get upset with the other nine lepers who did not return to Jesus to thank Him. We instantly start thinking, "what ungrateful people they are!" But then a thought comes across our minds, and then that is when reality sets in. The thought is how often do we just go about our days after we have received a blessing from God? How often after something great happens do we stop what we are doing and give thanks to Him? As much as I would like to identify with the leper who went back to Jesus to thank Him; I realize that I identify more with the other nine who kept going about their business.

Everyday God works amazing miracles in our lives, some are big and some are so small they can be easily missed if you aren't paying attention. I pray that our eyes may be opened to His great works in our life and that when He is working we do not just simply go about our day, but rather stop what we are doing and give Him all the praise and glory.

May the Lord be on our hearts and on our minds each moment of every day.

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, forgive us for the times that we do not recognize you in our life. Lord, we know that all things come from you, and we thank you and praise you for all that we are blessed with. Lord, we pray for the strength and courage to go out and be your lights in this world, may your will be done. We pray for all of those who are preparing to take vows, whether in marriage or in religious life. We also pray for all those in need of conversion and all those seeking truth, may they come to find it in you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.