thanks from those whom we serve.  Birthday celebrations, little expressions of thankfulness, and gifts from grateful people should be seen as noble manifestations of gratitude. 

However, we must remember the example of Jesus.  Only one of the ten lepers returned to give thanks for having been cured.

It is important to remember, that despite the ingratitude of humanity, Jesus continued his mission until his consumatum est. 

His reward was the cross and the empty tomb.
 
When we serve with a spirit of detachment, we will walk among our brothers and sisters, even among those who have been ungrateful and hateful, with joy and a smile.

The disappointments and adversities that others may cause, will purify our interior motives and allow us to focus on eternity.  

Gratitude is a rare virtue indeed.

We need to be filled always with gratitude for God's unconditional love.

We need to always thank all those who serve us and love us with their generous service. 

"And one of the them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him" (Luke 17: 15-16). 

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Father James Farfaglia is a contributing writer for Catholic Online and author of Get Serious! - A Survival Guide for Serious Catholics.  You can visit him on the web at www.fatherjames.org.