At the end of John’s Gospel, we’re told that if everything Jesus did during his earthly life were written down, the entire world couldn’t contain all the books that could be written. We can infer from this that many—maybe even the majority—of the Lord’s miracles weren’t recorded in the New Testament. So why does Luke include this one? Obviously because of the lesson that Jesus wants to teaches us about the beauty and the power of gratitude.
The one leper who came back to thank Jesus is praised for this gratitude. We can almost hear the sadness in the Lord’s voice at the lack of gratitude from the other nine who were healed. Why does Jesus value gratitude so much? Because he knows that gratitude is valuable for the health and wellbeing of our souls.
First of all, gratitude keeps us grounded in the truth, which is key for our ongoing relationship with God. And what is this truth? Everything we are and everything we have is a gift from God: life, talents, opportunities, hope, the grace that helps us persevere in doing what is right—just to name a few.
Secondly, gratitude is the perfect antidote to sin. Sin turns us in on ourselves, but gratitude opens us up to God and our neighbor by challenging our self-centeredness, our self-indulgence, and our self-absorption. Gratitude builds bridges, unites communities and softens hearts. It counteracts depression and dissolves anxiety.
Naaman Is Surprised By Gratitude
Today’s first reading is a perfect example of how to receive God’s with gratitude. Naaman was an officer in the Syrian army. He was a powerful commander and had won a lot of battles for his king. But there was one battle he couldn’t win—leprosy. As it happened, his wife had a Jewish servant girl who told him that there was a prophet in Israel who could cure him, and so, filled with hope, Naaman went to see him.
But when he arrived, the prophet told him to do something strange: “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and you will be healed.” This sounded ridiculous to Naaman, and at first he refused. But after his servants reminded him that he has nothing to lose, he did what the prophet told him. He washed himself seven times and was healed. Like the Samaritan in today’s Gospel, he recognizes the wonderful thing God had done for him by giving thanks and offering gifts to his prophet. Naaman did not take the gift of healing for granted, and it changed his life.
Giving Thanks in All Circumstances
All of this has an immediate application in our own lives. In 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 St Paul reminds us: “Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” So how do we give thanks in all circumstances? Here are two practical tips.
First, at the end of each day, dedicate a few minutes to review all the gifts God has given you, and than thank him for them. This will keep your heart alive with gratitude.
Secondly, it’s vital to form the habit of thanking God throughout the day. When something good happens, say “Thank you, Jesus, for your friendship and your love.” When something bad happens, again say “Thank you, Jesus, for your friendship and your love.”
Remember, gratitude makes us more like God, and opens our hearts to a deeper relationship with him and others. And as we prepare to receive the Gift of All Gifts, Jesus himself in the Holy Eucharist, we do so knowing that he is our loving God, who wants us to live with him forever in heaven. How can any Christian not be grateful for the gift of God himself?