There is perhaps no better medicine for the soul than gratitude. A person who is grateful knows that he or she is the recipient of great gifts, and so is humble. A person who is grateful knows the goodness of the giver and so cannot become the victim of poisonous resentment or self-pity. A person who is grateful, above all, is joyful.

Perhaps that is why in the gospel story of the ten lepers Christ seems to say that only the thankful man received full healing. Ten lepers perceived that Jesus was their “Master” and that he was capable of healing. And ten called out, “Lord, have mercy!” Ten were healed. But only one was healed in body and soul; because only one understood what it meant to be healed: that our God is a good God, who desires our wholeness, joy and health.

Faith, Jesus seems to say, is about more than knowing that he is Lord. It is even about more than calling out for mercy. Real faith is born of a grateful heart.

In Thessalonians, Paul writes: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” When we give thanks in all circumstances, we are orienting ourselves towards the goodness of God. Even in prison, Paul thanked the Lord because he knew that God’s goodness towards him and all of creation is unceasing.

God desires us to be grateful because only gratitude reveals us as we really are: completely dependent on the giver of good gifts—for every breath, for every morsel of food, for every moment of beauty, for every smile we receive. But the giver offers so much more than even that. He has made us his sons and daughters and has invited us to enter into the joy of his kingdom.

Even when our lives seem dominated by bleak and difficult circumstances, we are called to the joyful task of giving thanks. Not because it’s something that we owe God (What could he ever need from us?), but because gratitude heals the soul, driving darkness, despair, anger, and pride from our hearts.

Thanks be to God!