Daily Archives: July 6, 2014

I’ve always thought that pride was the original sin, but I heard a quote last week that has really had me thinking.  It’s from Ignatius of Loyola.

In the light of the Divine Goodness, it seems to me, though others may think differently, that ingratitude is the most abominable of sins and that it should be detested in the sight of our Creator and Lord by all of His creatures who are capable of enjoying His divine and everlasting glory.  — Saint Ignatius

Is it an ungrateful spirit that leads us to into the tempation of greener grass or the lust of the eyes or the lust of the flesh?  This is an interesting question.  I did some scripture searching and found very little about ingratitude or ungratefulness, but the scriptures are full of commands to give thanks.  There is a difference from telling someone to stop being ungrateful rather than imploring them to be thankful.

I’m not talking about the power of positive thinking, but the implications of grace in the life of the believer.  What I’ve been reminded of is this – the closer we get to God the further we get from ingratitude and even sin itself.

Lord, please help us to take time to reflect upon your attributes:  your mercy, steadfast love, faithfulness, justice and holiness.  And let that reflection create within us a true attitude of thankfulness.