The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want. — Psalm 23:1

Mass Readings: Titus 3:1-7/Luke 17:11-19 

Attitude of Gratitude 

Why didn’t the nine healed lepers we read about in today’s Gospel return to thank Jesus? Were they overwhelmed with joy and the life-changing restoration of health, relationships, and normal life? Were they planning to return to thank Jesus later? Or, were they just self-centered and ungrateful? 

A Dominican nun in our prayer group once told us about a gratitude journal she was keeping. Journal promoters — notably Oprah Winfrey — told people to list five things they were thankful for each day. Sister Elaine, a religious for many years, found the activity transforming. She began to recognize thousands of blessings, she said. Fresh air, a hug, a dog’s welcoming smooch, a low heating bill. An “attitude of gratitude,” thanking God, the source of every good thing, became second nature.

Prayer: God and Father, during this Thanksgiving month, teach me to live in an attitude of gratitude.