A Jesuit Catholic University
in Omaha, Nebraska, since 1878

[493] Titus 3:1-7 Ps 23:1b-3a, 3bc-4, 5, 6 Luke 17:11-19

Weekly Guide for Daily Prayer The Daily Reflections

After reading today’s gospel reading, I was immediately struck by the idea of a reciprocal relationship and what that term means in our world today.  After 10 men were cured of their maladies, only one, the Samaritan (and thus the social and religious outcast of the time) returned to give thanks for all that he had been given by Jesus.  This story immediately made me wonder at the importance of gratitude and thanksgiving.  It can be easy to simply take what is given to us, whether given by our family, friends, or anyone else in our lives, and then simply move on without a second thought.

However, in today’s gospel, we are called to take a moment and think about all that we have been given.  We are asked to put aside our thoughts, plans, or troubles, and simply be thankful for all that we have.  With Thanksgiving just around the corner, perhaps this gospel can serve as a reminder of the importance of recognizing our blessings and making a point to show gratitude for what we have been so graciously given by God and others.  In so doing, we are also encouraging a mutual and reciprocal relationship with the people in our lives.  Simply being grateful for what we have not only shows our gratitude for the gifts we’ve been given or those whom we love, but it also shows a desire to move forward in our relationships with God and others.  Giving thanks is another step towards creating genuine relationships, in which God’s love seems to reside and flourish.

“Smile with those whom you love, pray with all your heart, and in all things, give thanks, for there is much you have been given and much that you have to live for.”