Reflections

Thursday, November 24, 2016

“Has no one but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?”
(Luke 17:18)

Of ten lepers who were healed, only one, a Samaritan, came back to give thanks, Lord. We who are blessed with so many favors can grow to expect them. It is the outsider, the one who has little and expects less, who accepts and affirms your miracle. From humility and poverty of spirit rise gratitude.

Each day, let me strip myself of attachments and expectations. Just now, my timer chimed and I removed a corn pudding from the oven, fragrant, bubbling, and delicately browned. Every ingredient was a gift from your providence, as were the fuel to cook it, the knowledge to read the directions, and the energy to assemble it. I have family with whom I hope to share it. I can communicate with them from a distance and travel to celebrate with them. None of this did I earn; to none of it am I entitled.

To you who lead me to green pastures, who prepare a banquet for me, who fill every moment with the life you breathed into me, to you, Lord, I offer this day and thank you for all that is in it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.Required fields are marked *

Time limit is exhausted. Please reload CAPTCHA.