Gratitude

Luke 17 : 11- 19

Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?

We are often reminded that the 'attitude of gratitude' is one that will carry us far along the spiritual life. It is this attitude that treats all things as gifts from God, taking nothing for granted. What more the miraculous gift of healing as in the case of the ten lepers. They had cried out to Jesus for pity. As they left to show themselves to the priests, they found themselves miraculously healed. Yet, nine of them chose to continue on their way, forgetful of the One who had granted their request. Perhaps they were too caught up in the rituals required of lepers - the need to get the 'certificate' of health, the clean bill of health from the priests. But they forgot Jesus, whom they had called "Master". It seems such a pity that God is often taken for granted as the Giver of good things. I certainly do need to check myself often, for I do take many conveniences of life for granted. There may be a perfunctory 'thank you' to God. But perhaps underlying is some 'expectation' about the gifts that each day brings.

I notice that it is often the people on the margins (the 'foreigner' as Jesus remarked), like the Samaritan who know their poverty, their dependent status, and respond gratefully for what is received. Perhaps there is much to learn from those who live life with open hands, ready to receive what they know they cannot do for themselves. This would also be a healthy way of living the spiritual life. I read somewhere that it is spiritually dangerous to carry an attitude of 'entitlement', even if unconsciously. No wonder thanksgiving is such an important part of prayer. When practiced diligently, I believe it will lead me to look for the Giver, even as I eagerly receive his gifts. The Samaritan even threw himself at Jesus' feet- a posture of great humility; a recognition of the One who is truly Master.

At the end of Psalm 13, a prayer pleading for God's answer, the psalmist prays:

"I will sing o the Lord, for he has been good to me"

Despite his state of turmoil, he comes back to a recognition of the gracious Giver.