Gratitude is a real blessing. It acknowledges that the good we have received is not earned by our works, but is a free gift from the giver. We ought to thank God for the gift of life—we didn’t do anything to be born—the gift of our family and friends, teachers, and others who have had a positive influence on us. We should thank God for the many blessings he has given us, for sending his Son into the world to redeem us; for loving us by suffering and dying on the Cross; for the Holy Spirit’s sanctifying presence.
We should thank God for the gift of Baptism whereby we become children in his family, the Church, and for the gift of Confirmation whereby we are anointed by the Holy Spirit and share in Christ’s mission. We can and ought to thank God for the gift of forgiveness in Reconciliation and for becoming one with him in Holy Communion.
A great example of blessed gratitude is the reaction of the Samaritan, one of the ten lepers our Lord cured. After being cured, nine lepers went their way. But one returned to Jesus:
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well” (Luke 17:15-19).
Let us ask ourselves: How often do I thank our Lord? Do I show him the appreciation he deserves? How can I be more grateful to others who share their various gifts and talents with me? A great way—the best way!—to show our gratitude to God is by participating in the Eucharist. The Eucharist is “Thanksgiving,” as the Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us:
The Eucharist is a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Father, a blessing by which the Church expresses her gratitude to God for all his benefits, for all that he has accomplished through creation, redemption, and sanctification. Eucharist means first of all “thanksgiving” (CCC 1360).
If we appreciate all that God has given us, all the sacrifice he has made for us, then let us be more generous in attending Holy Mass. We can do so during the week, not just on Sundays and Holy Days of Obligation. Another way is by stopping in a church or chapel and making a visit to Our Lord in the Tabernacle. As the Catechism reminds us:
Because Christ himself is present in the sacrament of the altar, he is to be honored with the worship of adoration. “To visit the Blessed Sacrament is… a proof of gratitude, an expression of love, and a duty of adoration toward Christ our Lord” (CCC 1418).
The Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-12)
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God.
Blessed are they who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are they who suffer persecution for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are you when men revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so men persecuted the prophets who were before you.
