GRATITUDE: 28th Sunday C

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Brothers and sisters two of the readings this sunday talk about "gratitude". 

But what does it mean to be grateful? Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what one receives – tangible or intangible: The essence of gratitude is a grateful heart.

Some of us today will be fortunate enough to partake in the Holy sacrifice of the Eucharist - described by the Second Vatican Council as the “source and summit of the Christian life,”. At the very heart of it, is this word "gratitude"  because the word ‘Eucharist’ comes from the Greek word, “eucharistia,” (εὐχαριστία) meaning "to give thanks". 

The Eucharist is the primary place where we can express our gratitude to God; acknowledge, appreciate, and make some return to God for everything, whether he acts directly, as in the miraculous cure of the lepers; through humans, like Elisha; or through material things, like water. It is always his gift. Giving thanks, expressing gratitude, is a learned action. Laughing when we are happy and crying when we are sad are natural responses, but saying “Thank you,” has to be learned. 
Brothers and sisters, let us reflect today on the greatest blessings we have received in our lives, and thank God for each of them.
 AMEN.

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