It is 13th November 2019. The readings are from Wisdom 6:1-11; and the Gospel from Luke 17:11-19. Something that makes God happy and pleased is the human heart filled with gratitude to God. Seldom do we see ourselves expressing enough gratitude to God. Those who abuse the gifts and the privilege to lead others do not have a solid reason to thank God. Acknowledging God’s presence and power in our lives especially some of us who lead others is the visible expression of gratitude. We all need to develop an attitude of gratitude in all areas of our lives. We all owe so much of gratitude to God and to one another for the spiritual and material gifts we have received and enjoyed so far. Forgetting to thank God and others is sign of pride and arrogance and lead us to live so abnormally and selfishly. Our integral health is displayed in the way we express our gratitude. Gratitude fills us with joy and love that is from the Spirit of God. Ungrateful people always try to find fault with the work of the others, and end up self-poising themselves with the venom of hatred towards the others and choose to forget God so tactfully. Grateful people accept the others as they are with their mistakes and achievements and contribute something new and adding blessings after blessings. The first reading imparts us that every group needs a leader who leans on God and acknowledge the gratitude to God for entrusting authority and power. No authority or power is acquired rather it is invested by God. To obey the leader is to obey God himself. But sadly, the ungrateful leaders are always ignored, disobeyed and illtreated by the people time and time again. God does not hesitate to punish and discipline those who are in the helm of the affairs as God judges the ordinary person without any invested power to lead. Hence there is no one is greater than God. God backs the leaders always when God has entrusted someone with authority and power. “But strict scrutiny awaits those in power. Therefore, set your desire on my words; long for them, and you will be instructed.” (Wis.6:8,11). The responsorial Psalm acclaims, “Arise, O God, judge the earth.” (Ps.81:8). The Gospel points out that God is angered by the ungrateful people. Ten lepers were healed by Jesus yet only one displayed gratitude that duly belongs to God alone. Are we holding gratitude and praise for ourselves without offering to God? When someone thinks that healing and receiving gifts are their rights, they lose the reason to be thankful for. Are we taking generosity of God for granted and so fail to offer thanks to God. When we are grateful to God, we all experience the healing power of God through Jesus. May the Lord help us to be grateful for all that we have received so far. May the Lord bless you and have a day full of gratitude.

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