As we embrace these difficult times, committed to our mission to be the compassionate presence of Jesus to one another, we remember that Jesus called for and demonstrated love of neighbor. Jesus’s care for others attended to the needs of each unique individual, including those that others would exclude. This invites each of us to reflect on how we care for others. One way to care for others is to appreciate them and express our gratitude. 

Extending the compassionate caring of Jesus calls for gratitude.

From Jesus’s ministry, we hear a story about the importance of expressing gratitude.

• When Jesus cured ten lepers, only one returned to thank him. (Luke 17:11-19)

• This story invites reflection on whether we take for granted or express gratitude for the work of others.

The Catholic Health Association invites us to give thanks in and through our ministry:

•   The Joy of Service

The Greater Good Science Center provides:

• background on the definition, motivations and practices of gratitude from positive psychology

  • What is Gratitude?

  • Why Practice it?

  • How to Cultivate it

• a better understanding of gratitude at work

  • Five Ways to Cultivate Gratitude at Work

  • Gratitude Can Calm Our Urge to Compete with Others

  • Four Great Gratitude Strategies

Practices to Deepen and Express Gratitude

1. Imagine what your work would be like if a member of your team does not perform a task that is easy to take for granted.  Based on this, identify the gifts this person brings to our ministry, or

2. Pay attention to the contributions that others are making to extend the compassionate caring of Jesus in our ministry. Identify three gifts that a team member brings to the ministry.

3. Based on #1 or #2, express your thanks for the specific contributions of a team member, whether in conversation or through a thank you note.

Pope Francis invites us to imagine the work of our teams prior to technology that enhances our compassionate ministry: “The modification of nature for useful purposes has distinguished the human family from the beginning; technology itself ‘expresses the inner tension that impels man gradually to overcome material limitations.’ Technology has remedied countless evils which used to harm and limit human beings.  How can we not feel gratitude and appreciation for this progress especially in the fields of medicine, engineering and communications?” Pope Francis, Laudato Si