And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.
Luke 17, 15-16
Dear Friends,
When I was in Tanzania in September, I once again became aware of how much I take for granted in my life: clean drinking water, sleeping without a mosquito net, an infrastructure where four-lane highways are the norm. I take so much for granted, like how easily accessible the Internet is and how my frustration level rises when the connection is too slow.
Taking things and especially people for granted reflects a lack of gratitude. We can become so privileged, so satisfied, and so ungrateful for the many ways in which we are blessed.
I don’t know what the other nine lepers thought when they suddenly saw their disease disappear. But only the Samaritan, the outsider, came back to thank Jesus. The Samaritan had been left out for so long that he took nothing for granted.
Thank you. This is our first prayer. This is our first impulse. What did our parents teach us when we are given something? “What do you say?” Thanks. Thank you very much.
If we want to avoid the “taking for granted” syndrome, give thanks.
It’s all about giving and taking—give thanks and we will take less for granted.
Thank you for all you do to further God’s realm. Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving!
With peace,
Joe Nassal, C.PP.S.
Provincial
For the Leadership Team