It’s not mostly easy to maintain a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude in this our modern world.
As we are surrounded by everything we could ever possibly need or want, we are also tempted to think that we are the source of all the blessing.
Which could lead to a spirit of excessive pride, seeing ourselves as a “god” over our lives and possessions.
In a similar way, St. Aloysius Gonzaga recognized that in order to maintain a spirit of gratitude in our lives for every many gifts God has given to us, we must see our weaknesses and our inability to do anything without God.
When St. Aloysius was asked by a Brother whether it was difficult for a great nobleman to abandon the vanities of the world, he answered saying that it was utterly impossible, unless Our Lord put clay upon his eyes, as he did to any man born blind; that is, unless He allows him to perceive their worthlessness.
But, one day Father Alamanni of the College of Milan came to him for spiritual guidance in great distress, because he felt himself very imperfect.
So, St. Aloysius consoled him as he quoted the words of the Psalm 138 vs. 16. “Thy eyes did see my imperfect being, and in Thy book all shall be written.”
He also added that “even though the sight of our imperfections was indeed enough to drive us to despair, we may still console ourselves by considering that it is with these particular imperfections that we are written in the book of God, not just for our condemnation but to humiliate us and lead us to greater sanctity”.
Gonzaga however, believed that our imperfections hold the key to sanctity and also an ability to be thankful to God in every circumstance.
In this way, our weaknesses are seen as a benefit, something that doesn’t lead us to despair, but a particular joy knowing that we are not perfect.
So, with this recognition we can fully embrace our weaknesses and trust entirely on God for everything in our lives. Cause, we are not the source of our own blessings.
Whenever we understand that reality, our hearts can be at peace and call out to God in gratitude.
