Gratitude

How often as toddlers to teens did we hear our parents remind us to say, "Thank You"? It was ingrained deep enough to last a life-time, but still we might not express our gratitude enough to God for ALL his gifts, taking most of them for granted, or even as "entitlements." Students simulating the plight of the refugees on our southern border during the LaValla Weekend at the Marist Brothers Center for Spirituality in Esopus, New York, had the opportunity to be deprived of their shoes, and be supplied with cheap flip-flops for the day.  At the debriefing, one student said he never gave thanks for having his own shoes, until they were replaced with the flip-flops.  Sometimes we have to be shocked into the realization of how blessed, and at the same time, how ungrateful we are.
The ten Lepers in today's gospel (Lk 17:11-19) were quick to ask Jesus for a cure, but only ONE returned to say thank you...Are we that one, or one of the other nine?  Might be a good idea on this Sunday "day of rest" to take stock of our blessings and say thank you for each one.  That should occupy a good part of the day!
Bro. Rene