Word to the Wise
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - St. Josaphat, bishop and martyr
[Titus 3:1-7 and Luke 17:11-19]"Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?"
This particular gospel passage is often read at Thanksgiving time. It's easy to see why. There is a stark contrast between the nine who did not return to give thanks to Jesus and the one who did. So, we somewhat guiltily recognize how much we take for granted in terms of God's goodness and mercy when we celebrate Thanksgiving Day. But that day is yet to come and this gospel passage is here to challenge us TODAY! My father was particularly sensitive to the question of gratitude. INgratitude was one the worst sins for him! It's not simply a matter of being grateful for goods or deeds that are done to and for us when they are not expected! It is a matter of being grateful for all that life provides, even when we have a right to it! The old expressions is "an attitude of gratitude." None of the lepers had a "right" to be cleansed. Nor is there any question that the faith of all of them saved them - not just the leper's faith. It's just that the others did not make the effort to return and give thanks to Jesus! This gospel scripture is a challenge to be sensitive to the goods of the day and to be consistently grateful. This can be a terrible challenge in the midst of grief and hardship when we don't feel we have much to be grateful for. The "attitude of gratitude" may be, however, the one thing that will make life endurable in those hard times. Thanksgiving is a form of prayer that acknowledges who we are in the relative scheme of God's things. It's good to be reminded of that on a consistent basis. AMEN
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