Revolution of Love.com
Giving Thanks to God
by Brian
Each one of us likes to receive a “thank you” every once in a while, especially when we have helped a neighbor in need, went out of our way to make someone feel special or have purchased a birthday gift for a friend. I think most people would agree that being “thanked” makes one feel appreciated and valued.
I believe the opposite is true as well. After doing a good deed for someone or giving a gift to another, we can definitely feel slighted, unappreciated and taken for granted when a “thank you” is not forthcoming. If this is how most of us feel, it struck me that maybe Jesus feels the same way especially when He blesses someone with a specific grace or works a miracle in someone’s life and no “thank you” ever reaches His ears.
A perfect example of this is found in the Gospel of St. Luke (17:11-19). St. Luke retells the story of how ten lepers, when Jesus passed through a village, cried out to Him with one voice shouting, “Jesus, have mercy on us!” Jesus looked upon them with compassion and mercy and said, “Go and show yourself to the priests.” As the lepers went on their way a miracle occurred; each leper was healed. Then one of them returned and fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him for taking away his leprosy. Jesus initially responded by asking a question, “Where are the other nine?” And then said, “Rise and go your way, your faith has made you well.”
Jesus must have been pleased when the one man came back and thanked him for removing his leprosy. By asking the question, “Where are the other nine?” Jesus shows that He was somewhat taken back by the fact that only one out of the ten lepers returned to give Him thanks for miraculously healing them.
Unfortunately, many of us at one time or another act like the nine lepers who after being cured merrily went on their way without returning to thank Jesus. We seem to have no problem asking Jesus for help when we are in need or asking Him to help others, but we often neglect to thank Him for answering our prayers or working a miracle in our lives.
In his first epistle to the Thessalonians (5:18), St. Paul encourages them to “give thanks in all circumstances.” He also reminds the Colossians (4:2) to “continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” Another saint who also valued “giving thanks to God for His goodness” was St. Ignatius of Loyola. Ignatius lists as the first step in the spiritual examen – “to give thanks to God for the graces and blessings received.”
When I think about all the blessings, especially the little ordinary ones God continually showers upon me, I am ashamed to admit that I have been slow and reluctant in saying two simple words, “thank you.” Each night before retiring, I have gotten into the habit during my examination of conscious to spend a few minutes thanking God for the gifts and graces He has blessed me with throughout the day. By doing this I have not only learned how good and merciful God is, but that He is with me from morning to night.
In conclusion, I would like to encourage you to spend a few minutes each day thanking God for both the big miracles as well as little ordinary graces He grants you. By doing so, you will soon recognize how God carries you, each day, within the palm of His hand.
God bless.