I am sure you remember the story in the Gospel about the 10 lepers that Our Lord cured. Only 1 came back to thank Him. Surprising?
Imagine.... that you are suffering from a terminal illness with 6 months left to live.
I know it sounds dreadful but just picture it for a moment.
You have prepared your family and friends and arranged your final will…
…you look around your surroundings and you realize that soon you will not see any of it any more.
The thought of dying and leaving all your friends and loved ones behind is constantly on your mind and it overwhelms you.
Day after day you sit on your porch and find yourself listing all the things you wish you had done for people and for God… but your life will soon be over, time is running out.
You weep over and over on your own… Death stares you in the face and every day it comes a little closer. You are frightened and scared. Really scared!
And then, one blessed day you run into a holy man. He looks at you and feels pity on you. He approaches and touches you and soon you feel different. You go to the doctor and, after a series of tests, you are given a clean bill of health, your illness is gone. And in fact, the doctor tells you that you are healthier than ever before.
Imagine your reaction: shock, followed by disbelief. Then joy and amazement!
A few days later, you receive the official medical report in the mail confirming what the doctor told you at the hospital.
You again sit on your porch and it slowly begins to sink in. You begin smiling to yourself and tears of joy run down your face.
Then you rush to the phone and begin calling all your family and friends to share the wonderful news with them.
But then, what would be the next thing you would do?
The answer is obvious. “I need to go thank the man who cured me. I will be indebted to this man forever. Where is He?”
This would be the right and the just thing to do!
But this was not what the 9 lepers did. Unfortunately, such ingratitude is quite common for human nature.
My dear friend, this Thanksgiving I would like to be bold enough to suggest something to you. It is only a suggestion from a brother in the Faith.
Find a quiet moment by yourself and make a list of all the things you should thank God for. Write them all down and keep the list near your bed. You may find days in the future when it will profit you spiritually to read the list to yourself again and maybe even add a thing or two to it.
Also, I want to share with you a couple of articles about Gratitude that may help you.
- Article 1 – Give Thanks and Be Happy
- Article 2 – The Alphabet of Gratitude
And last but not least, I have my own list of gratitude and it includes all my friends like you at America Needs Fatima. It also includes 14,108 Public Rosary Rallies this year and so many other opportunities to fight for the honor of Jesus and Mary which I am only able to do with your help and support.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
And please remember to take a moment to thank those around you who deserve your gratitude. Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving,
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