INCENSE OF AROMATICS | KAIROS GLOBAL | DECEMBER 2023

Author: Anil Israel

Intro: Scripture strongly emphasises to ‘be thankful in all circumstances.’ Anil Israel reflects on this month’s theme of gratitude. 

In the Gospel of Luke, chapter 17, we see that Jesus cleanses ten lepers. It is interesting to see that they were not cleansed when they departed Jesus, to show themselves to the priests. They were cleansed when they were on their way – as they went they were cleansed (Luke 17:14). This miracle can be attributed to the faith of the ten lepers. When Jesus told them to go and show themselves to the priests, they were not cleansed, but yet in faith they obeyed and went. It was only when they were mid-way did they realise that they were cleansed. What is more remarkable is that out of ten, only one turned back (Luke 17:15) to express gratitude.

Many times we find ourselves like the ‘other nine’. We fail to acknowledge the blessing received. We forget to be thankful. We take things for granted. We tend to shape our lives by the way of the majority. Could it be that we doubt that the miracle would be revoked and not last long? Whatever might have been the reason, ingratitude ends up being perceived as a sign of inner weakness.

We find a good number of instances in the Bible where people did acknowledge the favour rendered. When Noah and his family were saved from the great flood, he built an altar to the Lord, and took of every clean animal and of every clean bird, and offered burnt offerings on the altar (Genesis 8:20). When Abraham was blessed by God in recovering Lot and the others who had been taken captive, he gave a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:20) to Melchizedek. This was the first mention of returning back to God a tenth of everything we are blessed with. Jacob too promised: If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go… I will give a tenth to you (Genesis 28:20-22). It appears that one ought to be naturally thankful, in return for favours generously received.

But Job teaches us to raise ourselves higher, even in times of misfortune. Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return; the Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away, blessed be the name of the Lord (Job 1:21). St James too exhorts: Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds (James 1:2). We thereby are taught to learn to be thankful, not only for the roses but also for the thorns. Scripture strongly emphasises: be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18). We are called to offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving (Leviticus 22:29; Psalm 50:14; Psalm 116:17) – be thankful even when we don’t feel like. 

What do you have that you have not received (1 Corinthians 4:7). His divine power has given to us everything we need (2 Peter 1:3). We ought therefore, to be thankful for everything. The air that we breathe, the food on the table, the clothes that we wear, the roof over our heads, our health, our occupation, our environment, the freedom that we enjoy and the life that we live. Every good endowment and every perfect gift is from above (James 1:17). Aren’t we supposed to be thankful for every ounce of goodness thrust upon us? Everything that we have taken for granted till now, ought to become a reason, for thanks to rise from our lips. 

There are also unpleasant things in life that could actually be a blessing in disguise. Everything that happens in our life, is designed to help us grow in holiness. In the lives of the saints we find that many had unpleasant people in their life, who either made fun of them, tortured them, or even provoked them to unholy response. These could have been interpreted as obstacles to holiness, but the saints considered them as blessings as they were provided with ample opportunities to grow in virtue. 

A rude remark or false accusation is an opportunity to grow in patience and humility. He must increase but I must decrease (John 3:30). A situation when someone else is preferred over us, is an opportunity to crush our pride and let go of our ego. When we think we are misunderstood or not valued and ignored, we have an opportunity to die to self and carry the life-transforming cross and follow the example set by our Lord and master. Ought we not to give thanks to every such persecution and pain? Aren’t we supposed to be uniting our tiny sufferings to the ultimate price paid on the cross at Calvary? Surely these are hidden steps on the ladder to holiness, which deserve our gestures of gratitude, every time we confront them.

Thankfulness need not always be in response to an event or action performed. Jesus taught us to say thanks in advance, in anticipation of an answered prayer or miracle. He thanked God before the multiplication of the loaves, while feeding the five thousand. Before raising Lazarus from the dead, Jesus said, Father, I thank you that you have answered me. (John 11:41). Even at the last supper we see that Jesus took break, gave thanks and broke it (Matthew 26:26). Likewise, he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them (Matthew 26:27). Eucharist means thanksgiving, and reminds us to live a life studded with thanks.

In life we are always confronted with choices. We can choose to grumble for things we don’t have, or be thankful for what we do have. If we just take the time to pause, we will surely find a cause to be thankful for. May the attitude of gratitude, for the things taken for granted, for all that helps us grow in holiness and for the blessings yet to come; be the incense of aromatics (Exodus 35:15) rising from our hearts. May we enter his gates with thanksgiving (Psalm 100:4), not only for our temporal gains, but also for all the innumerable gracious inspirations that come our way. Like the psalmist, may this be our daily prayer: I will give thanks to the Lord with my whole heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds (Psalm 9:1). Deo gratia!