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Mark 12:28-34 
T here's the story of a farmer who went to the city and dined in a restaurant. Before taking his meal, he said a prayer, drawing the heckle of some fine-looking young men who sat nearby. They asked him, "Does everybody in the farm pray before eating?" To which the humble farm man replied, "Not everyone. For instance, my ox and my dog dig right into their troughs without saying a prayer."
The lesson is one we all have learned in kinder school: let us be thankful for every grace or blessing we receive. The problem is we forget to be thankful because we don't know where our blessings come from or who gives it to us.
A modern world that has become increasingly materialistic is forgetful of God. That's why, He is not recognized or even mentioned as part of our daily lives. But for one who is steeped in faith in Him, every blessing is an opportunity to give Him gratitude.
Saying the grace before meals is one simple act of recognizing God, the provider of all our needs. If we know everything we have comes from Him, it won't be hard to worship Him as our true God. A dog is extremely loyal to his master and this animal almost adores him, closely paying attention to his every command.
Surely, we are more than animals and for this reason, we should know where our loyalties belong and to whom we should be thankful. God is always on the lookout for those who look back to Him after they're blessed . A heart that pays its gratitude to the Giver is a heart that truly recognizes and worships God.
Prayer:
Father, teach us to be always thankful to You, for Your countless blessings of life, love and mercy. May our gratitude serve as our praise to Your most generous and loving Name. Amen. |
