November 22, 2006
“In all things, give thanks to God…” Gratitude or thanksgiving is a form of prayer we seldom get to. I often thank God when I get what I want—seldom when I get what I need (ouch)! Our heavenly Father provides for us.
Can this be true even in suffering? Yes, when seen with the eyes of faith. My mom once told me, “Cancer has been the cure for my soul.” She has received a total healing now that she is in heaven! I have noticed that in the lives of many saints ( Francis, Ignatius of Loyola, Teresa of Avila). The Lord allows even physical sickness to bring about spiritual health. What a paradox! Better to enter heaven carrying the cross than to enter hell with “perfect health.” I am sure that this is one aspect of why our loving God allows suffering.
In the Gospel we read that only one of the ten cleansed lepers returned to give thanks for his miraculous cure ( Luke 17:11-19). May our consciences convict us to continuously count our blessings. As you may know, the Greek word eucharist means to give thanks. Let us thank God in all things.
Fr. Luke Mary Fletcher, CFR
(note: reprinted from archives)
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