When Jesus revealed His Sacred Heart to St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, Jesus expressed a desire-that people thank Him for His love. Gratitude is important. ‘Thank you' expresses a lot.

In the Gospel today, Jesus encounters people with leprosy. Jesus heals them and sends them to be officially deemed cleansed. They have regained physical health, but can also now return to their families, work and daily life. They are healed physically and socially. Jesus reveals more of the compassion of God than the power to heal. This gift of revelation is to lead us out of ignorance to recognizing the compassionate love of God.

How do they respond to this free gift? The Samaritan responds with gratitude. Instead of thinking of himself and all the things he can now do, he thinks of Jesus. He turns back, thanks Jesus, praises Jesus and falls at Jesus' feet-an act of worship.

We can learn from this Samaritan. In daily life, what is my response when I realize Jesus has blessed me? The Gospel reveals that thanks and praise are responses that please Jesus.

Today in the letter to Titus, we also hear about a gift. We have received salvation not because we have earned it, "not because of righteous things we had done, but because of (God's) mercy" (3:5). Salvation is an amazing and free gift. God is giving this gift to me. How would I like to respond?