Jennie received lots of presents for her tenth birthday, and her mother asked her to write thank-you notes. Jennie complained, “Writing thank-you notes is a pain. Why do I have to do it?” Her mother replied, “Because I want you to grow up to be a polite and thoughtful adult.” Said Jennie: “It’d be a lot easier to grow up rude.”  

Not really! Recent psychological research has shown that those who practiced gratitude by keeping a daily journal of blessings were better off physically, psychologically, and spiritually than others who kept a list of daily problems. Being grateful is good for you.

Jesus taught this two thousand years ago, as we see in today’s Gospel. Ten lepers were healed, but only one returned to give thanks. Jesus praised him for his faith and sent him on his way. No doubt his “way” kept him close to Jesus.

 That’s why gratitude is important. It keeps us close to God. Recognizing gifts from friends and showing appreciation for their generosity brings us closer to them. When we count God’s blessings and offer thanks, we draw closer to God, the Source of all good gifts.

The best pattern for gratitude is the Eucharist (from the Greek word for thanksgiving). Mass is a great time to remember God’s gifts and thank him for them. As the Eucharistic Prayer begins, the priest says, “Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.” The congregation responds, “It is right and just.” It certainly is, and we should be attentive to all the expressions of thanks that follow.

Another opportunity for gratitude is mealtime. Grace (from the Latin word for thanks) at meals is as good for the soul as food is for the body. Saying grace before and after breakfast, lunch, and dinner will help us remember to be grateful every moment of the day. That’s far better than growing up rude!