Gratitude isn’t just for the season of Thanksgiving, it’s part of a healthy spiritual life. It’s everywhere in the Bible, from the Psalms (“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” Psalm 100:4), to the Gospel of Luke (17:1-19) where Jesus cured the 10 lepers — and only one returned to thank him and praise God.
So for a little encouragement, here’s what some of the saints had to say about having a heart that is grateful.
“In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks.” – St. Teresa of Avila
“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.” – St. John Paul II
“The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.” – St. Gianna Beretta Molla
“Thank God ahead of time.” – Bl. Solanus Casey
“Would that I could exhaust myself in acts of thanksgiving and gratitude towards this Divine Heart, for the great favor He shows us.” – St. Margaret Mary Alacoque
“Get used to lifting your heart to God, in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day. Because he gives you this and that. Because you have been despised. Because you haven’t what you need or because you have. Thank him for everything, because everything is good.” – St. Josemaria Escrivá
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” – Saint Mary Euphrasia
