Riches, honors, pride

After reflecting on gratitude yesterday, especially that expressed by those on the margins, I was reminded again today that structures in this world generally work against the marginalized. Perhaps that is why they are more thoughtful and grateful for whatever is received. I was at the bank today to make some enquiries and again was encouraged to accept the 'Premier' banking services....at no charge because of my bank balance. This service it seems will make banking much more pleasant because I will not have to wait in queue. If I present the special card given to Premier account holders, I will automatically get a number that is the next in line. No waiting time. I guess this is geared towards the people deemed to be important in this world....people who do not have time to sit and wait because they have many important things to attend to! While I appreciate the bank's desire to serve its customers well, it does remind me that I could accept all these 'privileges' so easily, without thought or real gratitude. I believe it is these seemingly 'little' things that can subtly grow a spirit of 'entitlement' in any person. After some time, I may get so used to special treatment that I might be impatient when I have to wait in line. And while I may be 'privileged' to enjoy such benefits, I need to remember the lot of those who may never enjoy these things; who, like the lepers in yesterday's gospel, are marginalized.

St Ignatius warns of the dangers of "riches, honors and pride", in that order. He wrote in the sixteenth century, and yet the same warning would be, I dare say, even more fitting today. Indeed, it is often riches....that lead to being 'honored' and given privileges...and both riches and honors although good in themselves would often end in 'pride'.

I would like to remember the response of the Samaritan leper, who "threw himself to the ground at Jesus' feet and thanked him" (GNB). That is the posture of true humility, of gratitude to the One to whom we owe everything.