GRATITUDE: A Transforming Way to Salvation

Gratitude is a powerful transforming force that can change our lives and bring us closer to God. The word "Eucharist" originates from the Greek word "εὐχαριστία," meaning thanksgiving, highlighting the significance of gratitude in our spiritual journey.

Gratitude plays a crucial role in understanding salvation, as it transforms our perspective and relationship with God. When we recognize the gift of salvation, we respond with gratitude, acknowledging that our salvation is not based on our works but on God's grace, as emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9, "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast”.

In his apostolic letter Novo Millennio Ineunte, St. John Paul II offers a profound point of meditation that fits perfectly into the theme of Thanksgiving celebration, Duc in altum! ("Put out into the deep!") These words invite us to remember the past with gratitude, to live the present with enthusiasm, and to look forward to the future with confidence: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Heb 13:8).

Before Jesus said the words of consecration, he took bread and gave thanks, demonstrating the importance of gratitude in our relationship with God. The Mass is the school in which we participate in Jesus’ own thanksgiving, the thanksgiving the Church makes continuously from the rising of the sun to its setting.

The healing of the 10 lepers in our gospel (Luke 17:11-19) this weekend illustrates the connection between gratitude and salvation. Only one leper returned to give thanks, and Jesus said, “Stand up and go, your faith has saved you,” highlighting the link between true faith and salvation.

Developing a culture of thanksgiving helps us shift our focus from problems to God's promises. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

When we celebrate Holy Mass, we thank God for His Son's sacrifice and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Saying thanks to God, sharing our time and talents, and receiving the Eucharist are simple forms of thanksgiving we can offer in response to God's blessings.

To illustrate true thanksgiving, consider this story: On the radio, a reporter was conducting one of those man-in-the-street interviews. Out among the pedestrians he was asking, “What are you thankful for?” Some were grateful for their health. Some gave thanks because they had good jobs to provide for their families. One lady whispered in broken English, “Much happy to live in America.” One man was even thankful because the doctor said he could eat all the turkey he wanted. But the most enchanting remark of all was that of a wee little girl who said, “I’m thankful I’m going to see my grandmother so I can tell her how much I love her.” — Now that is really thanksgiving. It is going beyond mere “thanksgetting” and thanksgiving. It is taking your eyes off yourself and focusing on another.

Dearest friends, may we cultivate a heart of gratitude, recognizing God's goodness and faithfulness. May our thanks strengthen our faith, transform our perspective, and deepen our bond with God. May gratitude inspire acts of love and service, reflecting God's generosity. And may our lives showcase gratitude's power, drawing us closer to God and guiding us toward salvation. Amen.