Truly Joyful, Truly Grateful

Author: Chrisma C. Bangaoil
"True Joy and Gratitude: Recognizing God's Hand in Our Blessings"
Reflection Date: November 13, 2024 Wednesday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Daily Readings: Titus 3:1-7; Luke 17:11-19

Gratitude is the language of a truly joyful heart. Of the ten lepers cured by Jesus, only one was truly joyful; only one returned to express his gratitude.

What does it mean to be truly joyful? To be truly joyful is to realize that every good thing we have, whether small or big, comes not only through our efforts and hard work but ultimately by the grace of God. When we are joyful, we can see that blessings abound, and it is then that we become grateful.

A person who is not truly joyful will always find something to complain about, no matter the blessings he or she receives. Such a person feels entitled to everything they have, which is dangerous because it leads to arrogance and ingratitude.

In the Gospel, Jesus told the leper who returned to express gratitude that his faith had cured him. Someone who has faith sees the Divine hand at work within them. Only when we see the Divine hand at work in our lives can we be truly joyful? A person may pray, just like the nine lepers, but it is only in gratitude that we demonstrate true faith.

A call to action for Catholic living: Do you truly have faith? Are you joyful or entitled? Are you grateful?