GRATITUDE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Gospel of Luke tells an interesting story about gratitude.  While Jesus was walking to Jerusalem He encountered a number of lepers.  In that day, lepers were considered “unclean” so were often forced to live away from society, often in caves.  These lepers cried out, “Jesus, Master have mercy on us!”  So Jesus told them to go show themselves to the priests and while on their way they were healed.  But only one of them, seeing that he was healed, returned.  He fell face down on the ground at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him for what He had done.  This man was a Samaritan.  Then Jesus asked, “where are the others? Does only this foreigner return to give glory to God?”  And the man was made well.  As I pondered this it occurred to me that these lepers were symbols for people who have no “light” within themselves, so I put them in an underground cave.  They all were “touched” by God, but only one truly understood God’s love as demonstrated through this healing, and he revealed his understanding by responding with a grateful heart.  We all receive God’s love, but how many of us perceive it and respond with gratitude?  Which leper are you?