Readings: Titus 3:1-7, Ps. 23, Luke 17:11-19
“Were not ten made clean? But where are the other nine? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?’ Then he said, “Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19)
Giving thanks is more than just uttering the words “thank you”. It is a way of thinking. It is having a deep appreciation for one’s life, just as it is now. We often ask ourselves: “Why should I give thanks when I haven’t got this or that?
Humans are naturally ungrateful; we focus on our problems and are always occupied with solving challenges. It takes a conscious effort to be grateful or even to notice the beautiful things in our lives. We have to train our minds each day to shift from problem-finding mode to a gratitude mode.
In our Gospel passage, Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one returned to thank God, and he was even a foreigner. If we are honest with ourselves, we are likely among the other nine who didn’t consider it important to return thanks. Have you noticed how you worry so much about a certain problem that, the moment it is solved, you worry about another problem you didn’t even know existed?
While these lepers were out there ostracised, they felt their only problem was being cured of leprosy, but the moment they realised they had been cured, their minds instantly reminded them of other problems.
Within a split second, they must have gone from extreme excitement to complete sadness with thoughts such as: “How do I begin to pick up the pieces of my life now? Do I return to the family that left me to die in the leper’s colony without even a show of concern? I could beg for alms as a leper, but now, who will give me since I am no longer a leper?” We could go on and on.
Like most of us, these nine lepers didn’t think it necessary to give thanks. They probably saw their cure as a new problem. If we are to be people of gratitude (or desire to live very happy lives), we must learn to force our minds to look on the brighter side of things. We always feel bad when people do not appreciate (or compliment) the favours we do for them. If only we were aware of our ingratitude, we would realise we have also caused so much pain to others. Gratitude is a behaviour to be learnt.
The benefits of giving thanks are uncountable. Make someone happy today; tell them you are grateful, give them a gift, or say something nice to appreciate what they have done. Jesus Christ was happy that this man came to give thanks, so happy that He blessed the man: “Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.”
Avoid being entitled. Stop feeling that God (or other people) owe you and that they are just doing their jobs. Never forget that you are dust; you must return to dust. “If the only prayer you ever say is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.” (Elkhart Tolle)
St. Martin of Tours was likely born in Savaria, Pannonia, in what is now Hungary. His father, a high-ranking officer in the Roman army, moved the family to Northern Italy, where Martin grew up. Although raised in a pagan household, Martin embraced Christianity at the age of 10 and joined the Roman cavalry at 15. At around 18, Martin became famous for sharing his cloak with a beggar in Amiens, an act that led him to experience a vision of Christ that very night. By 20, Martin became a conscientious objector, refusing to continue fighting and leaving the military to dedicate his life to Christian service.
Martin studied under Hilary of Poitiers in Tours. To escape Arian persecution, he lived as a hermit and founded the Liguge Abbey, which still exists today. Although initially reluctant, he was persuaded to become the Bishop of Tours in 371. In this role, he diligently worked to combat paganism and heretical teachings. He was well-known for performing miracles and converting Druids, and he is the patron saint of many, including the poor and soldiers.
Let us pray: O God, who are glorified in the Bishop Saint Martin both by his life and death, make new, we pray, the wonders of your grace in our hearts, that neither death nor life may separate us from your love. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saint Martin of Tours, Bishop. Liturgical Colour: White. Bible Study: Titus 3:1-7, Ps. 23, Luke 17:11-19)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu