Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others. ~ Cicero
Cicero’s words highlight the importance of gratitude in the spiritual life. St. Francis de Sales says that gratitude is the beginning of humility (one of his favorite virtues) because it recognizes that all we have and are gifts from a loving and generous God. Even though gratitude is essential to a fully lived Christian life, our tradition tells us that love is the greatest of all the virtues and the parent to all the others.
Gratitude helps us to count our blessings and to give proper thanks to our good and gracious God. Generosity helps us to live out the words of C.S. Lewis, “Humility does not ask us to think less of ourselves but to think of ourselves less.”
Even during a pandemic, we have the opportunity to practice the two great virtues of gratitude and humility. Most of us have had the experience of being tired, feeling blue or numb, frustrated, or simply wanting this virus to stop exercising so much control over our daily lives. These certainly seem to be understandable reactions to a virus that has affected us for almost six months. There is no vaccine yet. But, let us try to be more grateful and more generous in our attitudes, words, and dealings with others as a spiritual antidote to the effects of the Coronavirus.
Have a grateful, generous day! Live Jesus!
Fr. Matt Hillyard, OSFS
Pastor, Our Lady of Good Counsel,
This reflection originally appeared in DeSales Weekly, the e-newsletter of the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. To received DeSales Weekly, click Subscribe Here.
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For comments or suggestions about DeSales Weekly, contact the editor, Fr. Bill McCandless, OSFS
Father Bill McCandless, OSFS
Oblate Development
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