Gratitude

Be grateful. It is good for our health. Doctors say so. Psychologists say so. Jesus approves of the leper who returns to thank him. St. Paul says to give thanks in all circumstances. As we allow the Holy Spirit to nurture within us a continual attitude of gratitude, life grows rich and meaningful. We see the world more appreciatively. Gratitude is good. Gratitude is healthy. 

Naaman the Syrian is so grateful for his healing from leprosy that he wants two mule-loads of earth to take home to praise the God of  Israel. What is that all about? 

Scripture scholars tell us that Naaman believed that the power of a god is limited to a certain place, a particular territory. God connected to dirt . . . might that seem antiquated and a bit amusing to us nowadays? 

But is there something that we moderns misunderstand or have lost sight of? We who have poured concrete over the richest soil on earth to create urban highways; we who philosophize God into abstract concepts that float like wisps into the sky . . . might a faith that flees the earth become rootless and artificial? 

There is a sacredness to the earth in which we live. There is a blessedness to the ground on which we walk. We are created from dust and to dust we shall return. The incarnated God took on our flesh and became one of us, people of the earth. 

Naaman was from Syria. The leper who returned to thank Jesus was from Samaria. Two “outsiders.” There are certainly holy places and sacred spaces in Israel, but the healing desire of the Creator is not limited to a location or to a particular people. All the ends of the earth have seen the saving power of God! 

The Lord gives us the earth for our flourishing. There is much to be thankful for in that.

Consider/Discuss 

• You wouldn’t just floss your teeth on the morning before your dentist  appointment if you want your teeth to be healthy. Likewise, you don’t  just throw fertilizer and mulch on your dirt in May when you put your  marigolds into the ground if you want your plants to be vigorous. If you  have “bad dirt,” then now, in October (in the northern hemisphere), is the time to do something about it. Throw in leaves. Throw in manure. Add  compost. These earthy things are gifts from God to nurture the soil. What can you do to care for the earth this week, in gratitude to God for the gift  of creation? What can you do to make “your” earth flourish? 
• Naaman the Syrian saw Israel as a holy place. God did promise Abraham  a land and a people; God promised to be with him in that place; God promised to bless his descendants. Take some time each day this week to  treasure and savor the land and the people that God has given to you. 

Living and Praying with the Word 

Creator of all, we look into the skies and we adore you. We look at the earth and we bless you. The mountains skip like rams in praise  of you. You have made all that is good. You give health to the leper  and food to the oxen. Give us a faith that loves the earth. How great you are! Holy Spirit, fill us with gratitude for the earth.