THINKING ANEW:IT HAPPENED many years ago but I can still remember every aspect of the event. A Traveller woman called to the door and asked for some help. We chatted for a while. I was slow to give her anything but in the end her way with words got the better of me and I handed over a small sum of money.
Before I could say another word she promised she would return the money.
Our conversation had been friendly and it was clear we had both respected one another.
The following week on the appointed day the woman called returning the money as I was about to go to work. I hold my hands up and admit that I was flabbergasted – and indeed delighted. That happened more than 25 years ago and I can recall it as if it were yesterday. That woman said thank you and I knew she meant it.
In tomorrow’s Gospel (Luke 17: 11-19) we hear how Jesus cures 10 lepers and only one returns to thank him for what he did for them.
The message of this Gospel is clear – the importance of expressing our thanks to people who are kind, helpful and good to us. And maybe even to those who are not so kind. That surely is a challenge.
As one who far too often is inclined to see the negative and weak aspects of others, this Gospel is certainly an important and helpful reminder to me of how significant it is to thank people when they are kind to me. In ways it is simply plain good manners to say those two small words, but there is more than that.
There is always a great charm about saying thank you, being gentle and kind with people. But there is also another side to all of us. I thought of this as I heard that great anthem of worker solidarity – The Internationale– sung at a recent protest march. A powerful song, few hear it without becoming emotionally involved (as I certainly do). Yet it also reminds me how it became a rallying point for the butchery and brutality of the Russian revolution. The human spirit which is capable of great good can also be sucked into the turmoil of war by such triggers.
It is difficult to believe that the same human being who can cause such mayhem and carnage is also a human being who has the ability and potential to be graceful – even to say thank you. And it’s that thank you that gives us the password to help bring about the kingdom of God on earth.
So much depends on our environment, our DNA, the experiences we have and our family background. But we are also the product of our own choices.
History tells us that conflict can unleash a terrible brutality. An environment develops whereby violence and hatred reign and the chances of gentleness and kindness are locked in a cupboard with the key thrown away.
We are living in uncharted waters and in many ways it would not take much for social unrest to spill out on to the streets. Of course there are some who will argue that there is a place for violence and force.
It’s far too easy to seduce people into violence and hatred. It’s a life-long task of work, dedication and discipline, but above all, we as Christians believe, with the help of God, to preach a message of love, kindness and goodness, in a world where it makes far more sense to say thank you over and over again. And to say it in such a manner that we inspire people to go on and do better. Prayer is thanksgiving. The Eucharist means thanksgiving praise.
Yes, only one leper came back to Jesus to say thank you. Maybe that tells us something of the forces against us to give praise and thanks.
Nevertheless, that is the one person Jesus admires and praises. And he recommends him to us as a model to which we should aspire.
In my conversation with that Traveller that morning both of us, right throughout the conversation, respected one another, indeed were grateful for the occasion of meeting. – MC