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Today’s gospel relates the story of Jesus and the 10 lepers.  Jesus heard their prayer, their cry of mercy and sent them immediately to the priests (who were designated by law, to certify healings that had occurred). Those 10 lepers trusted; they did not remain there until they were cured, no: they trusted and went immediately and, while on their way, they were cured.  Only one of the lepers – a Samaritan, returned to thank Jesus for healing him.  This narrative, according to Pope Francis, “so to speak, divides the world in two: those who do not give thanks and those who do; those who take everything as if it is owed them, and those who welcome everything as a gift, a grace.”

This weekend, coincidentally, is Thanksgiving weekend for us.   I remember as a child, making a paper turkey on construction paper with ‘feathers’ for its tail.  On each feather was the name of someone or something that I was grateful for, and I took it home to be displayed on our fridge, as a reminder that we all should be thankful for what we have.  My ‘thanksgiving feathers’ were simple at the time but made me realize that I was blessed to have people in my life who loved me and basic comforts that others did not have.  The world has changed since my innocent childhood with many complexities, challenges and impediments that interfere with coping with daily life.  Patrick Goodness wrote, ‘when we give thanks for our homes and material comforts, we are challenged to recognize those who are left without.  When we give thanks for our families and friends, we call to mind those who are alone and forgotten, the lonely, the orphaned.  When we give thanks for our freedom, we dutifully acknowledge those who live under the harsh rule of oppression and injustice. Truly, it is in this act of giving thanks that we recognize our responsibility to affect positive change in the world.’

Pope Francis said: “Above all, let us not forget to thank: if we are bearers of gratitude, the world itself will become better, even if only a little bit, but that is enough to transmit a bit of hope.  The world needs hope. And, with gratitude, with this habit of saying Thank You, we transmit a bit of hope.  Everything is united and everything is connected, and everyone needs to do his or her part, wherever we are.”

I was fortunate to grow up with parents who often reminded my sister and me that if we wish to live in a kind world, we must offer kindness to others. “Thank You” was a commonly used phrase in our house.  I have tried to continue this legacy of gratitude to my children and now I know it continues. My granddaughter, who just turned 3, out of nowhere while we were babysitting the other night, said, “Thank you, Nanny. I love you.”   A legacy of gratitude continues.

I’ll end this “Thanksgiving theme” reflection with words from a poster I copied down years ago.  Let us be aware of our own gratitude this Thanksgiving and pray our ‘ bit of hope ‘ will remain forever.

Thanks to those who hated me – you made me stronger
Thanks to those who loved me – you made my heart grow fonder
Thanks to those who cared – you made me feel important
Thanks to those who entered into my life – you made me who I am today
Thanks to those who left – you showed me that nothing lasts forever
Thanks to those who stayed – you showed me true friendship
Thanks to those who listened – you made me feel like I was worth it.

Cathy Keirstead