Someone shared the story about a customer at a restaurant ordering oysters that are not too big nor small, not too salty nor fatty. Pungently, the waiter said; “with or without pearls, sir?”
Some people are arrogantly persuasive, demanding, lack manners and civility because of pride and selfishness. They are not keen in appreciating the work of others but quick to despise and criticize for they only see what they want and insist what pleases them and worse still, they crave for entitlement. Furthermore, there are those who have reached the heights of success, done iconic achievements and sterling performances, but lose the value of dependence on God. This is tragic that could lead towards moral decadence and social isolation. This sort of people need to listen to the story about the lepers.
Jesus cured the ten lepers, but only one came back to thank Him. (Luke 17: 11-19). Why only one? Because he was grateful unlike the rest. His humility and sense of gratitude moved him to say, “Thank you”. A humble person has a grateful heart. What about the other nine? Where were they? Well, they were so absorbed in their wellness, preoccupied with more pressing things that they forgot about the Healer. There’s a danger that money or possessions can make one proud and ungrateful. There are those who don’t even say, “ thank you” to garbage collectors, street cleaners, house helpers, drivers, caregivers and other service providers because they’re in the payroll so they say. Really? Wow! See, what money can commit or omit? Are you in that number? Just asking. The old dictum says that “Gratitude is the highest form of courtesy.”
In this story, Jesus would like to teach his disciples and ourselves about the value of gratitude, not only for healing of ailments, but for anything received from the kindness and goodness of God and man.
We all have our own spiritual and moral leprosy that need healing and cleaning from the merciful touch of Jesus. All that we have are not ours but owned by God. There is however, only one thing that we own and not God’s, our sin.
As every finish line has a starting point and a concluded story a foreword, let our day begin with a prayer; “Lord, I am a sinner, please forgive me.”
On the flip side, someone said that, you are not who others say you are. You are who God says you are. When your words are silent, let music say your words. The tragedy of life is not death but what we let die inside of us while we live. Patience also means slow to anger but quick in kindness. God’s plan will always be better than all your disappointments. Don’t focus on those who hurt you, for you’ll continue to suffer, focus on those who care and appreciate you for they outnumber them. Life with God is not immunity from difficulties, but peace within difficulties. “For though I fall, I will rise again. Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.” (Micah 7:8). Stop asking people who have never been where you are going for directions. A beautiful heart can bring things into your life that all the money in the world couldn’t obtain. Live the way you want to be remembered. Amen on that folks!!
St. Faustina wrote Jesus’ words; “I cannot punish even the greatest sinner if he makes an appeal top My compassion.” (Diary 1146).
Pray the Divine Mercy every 3 p.m. Daily recite the Chaplet of Mercy and the Holy Rosary for peace in our families and in the world.
