Daily Bible Reflections - November 14,2012

MISS MANNERS

 

“Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?” – Luke 17:18

 

I have a friend whose constant expression is “Salamat sa Diyos!” (Thanks be to God!) For every little blessing, she says those words. An insightful person, she gives thanks to God for blessings in disguise.

Her attitude did not change as she met great difficulties and trials when she migrated to the United States. She made some serious mistakes, such as marrying the wrong guy, but through it all her gratitude to God never wavered.

Early in our friendship, I thought she was just “Miss Manners.” But through the years, I saw how gratefulness is a constant value in her life. Until now, when she calls me for updates on her life in the US, her sentences are peppered with “Salamat sa Diyos.”

And then I realized that, yes, she is truly a blessed person. But more than that, her gratefulness has attracted so much more blessings in her life.

Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more. Like the Samaritan in the Gospel, my friend is one blessing magnet that I want to emulate.Tess V. Atienza (svp_tvatienza@yahoo.com)

14

REFLECTION:

How grateful are you?

 

Lord, may I learn to be grateful to You — in good times and bad.

 

St. Dyfrig, bishop, pray for us.