Gratitude
Is gratitude a cultural thing?
On the way to Jerusalem Jesus was going through the region between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten lepers approached him. Keeping their distance, they called out, saying, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!" When he saw them, he said to them, "Go and show yourselves to the priests." And as they went, they were made clean. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice. He prostrated himself at Jesus' feet and thanked him. And he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus asked, "Were not ten made clean? But the other nine, where are they? Was none of them found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?" Then he said to him, "Get up and go on your way; your faith has made you well." - Luke 17:11-19
The way Luke tells this story of the ten lepers, one might think the only person who was thankful was the foreigner, a Samaritan.
This is another example of a Samaritan, a person of a different culture but similar foundational beliefs, acting more like a faithful believer than the Jews.
We often make judgments about groups based on the actions of individuals, and here's another opportunity to do that.
Maybe Jesus used the Samaritan in the Good Samaritan parable because of this example, or maybe he just wants us to see that the people we despise and consider unclean can be loved by God as much as we can.
Having an attitude of gratitude is something that should be universal. Do we need to follow a certain religion to be thankful?
Next week we will gather with family and friends to give thanks to God for all we have and enjoy in this life. Even those of us who have suffered loss this year, can be thankful for much.
Now is a good time to think about all the things in our lives that we are grateful for. The people in our lives who make us joyful and give us hugs, are just one example.
Gratitude is a reminder that this life is not all about us. When someone does something for us, even if we believe we deserve the attention, be grateful. And try to do the same for someone else.
Chances are, they will show you gratitude.
More to come...