Be the One in Ten

Jesus healed a group of ten lepers, but only one returned to thank Him, we learn in chapter 17 of Luke's Gospel.

"He fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked Him. He was a Samaritan. Jesus said in reply, 'Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?' Then He said to him, 'Stand up and go; your faith has saved you.' "

It is worth noting that throughout the Gospel outsiders often show us the ways of faith. Sometimes in our own lives, we tend to not appreciate those closest to us, including God. Thanksgiving shouldn't be reserved for just a holiday, it should be part of our daily lives of faith. And like all graces, it is a gift from our Lord. Let's ask Him to help us to grow in thankfulness. The following practices can help:

1. Go to Mass and receive the Eucharist. You may recall that the word Eucharist comes from the Greek language and means "thanksgiving." The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is our highest prayer, and the Eucharist is the best means we have to drawing close to Christ. The Mass is offered daily. Go as often as possible. It will transform you.

2. Pray for humility. That may seem like a dangerous prayer, but sanctity requires humility. It makes us grow in gratitude. A humble heart sees that all good things come not from us but from the hand of God.

3. Give to the poor. When we have less, we appreciate more. Shed yourself of excess material things that are obstacles to God.

4. Spend time caring for the less fortunate. It will open your eyes to see how blessed you are. And you serve Jesus Himself, disguised in the poor and needy.

5. Say Grace at meal times. This prayer of blessing reminds us that God nourishes and sustains us in our daily lives.

Thanks be to God!

Inspired by this Year of Faith we will be posting columns like this about exporing and/or deepening our faith. Watch for it on Thursdays.