Wednesday 12th November – Memorial of St Josaphat, Bishop & Martyr

Reflection: Luke 17: 11-19

APPRECIATION MATTERS

Knowing when to say “I am sorry” and “Thank you” go a long way in fostering good human relations. It speaks volumes of our personality, more so as Christians. Have you ever wondered how easily we take for granted acts of kindness shown to us but tightly hold on to offences? This ought not to be dear friend; our Christian calling demands that we fare much better!

Today’s gospel reading gives an account of how only one out of the ten lepers showed appreciation to our Lord Jesus Christ after his healing; moreover, a foreigner – a Samaritan. How many times have you and I been guilty of this? How many times have we failed to appreciate the goodness of God to us? How often do we take for granted the sacrifice and love of those around us especially family members and friends? How easily do we take privileges for rights in our dealings with others? The gospel acclamation (1 Thessalonians 5: 18) says: “for ALL things, give thanks, because this is what God expects you to do in Christ Jesus.” For the little and for the great, appreciation must be shown. It must not be hinged on how fully our expectations have been met, rather, an acknowledgement of love received.

Beloved in Christ, to do this, we must necessarily have an appreciative heart – a heart of thanksgiving daily propelled by the Holy Spirit. This makes every gift and blessing received from God an avenue for deeper commitment to him as was the case with the Samaritan. He who loves us teaches us to love; he who gives us teaches us to give. Genuine appreciation demands that we extend the love and generosity we have received to those in need around us. More than we can ever imagine we would be amazed at how further we would be blessed as we live a life of appreciation.

PRAYER: Dear Father, I thank you for your manifold blessings on me. Please help me to daily live in appreciation to you. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2638 – As in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving. The “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”. “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

HIDE A TREASURE: “Give thanks to God in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Titus 3: 1-7; Psalm 23: 1-6; Luke 17: 11-19