‘If the word “thank you” were the only prayer you ever uttered, it would be enough’ (Master Eckhart).
We might be tempted to think that such statements make salvation too easy for human beings. But let us also remember the words of God the Father to Sister Eugenia Ravasio, in which He says that anyone who sincerely calls upon Him once with the name ‘Father’ will not be condemned. This gives us great hope for the salvation of souls, grounded in God’s saving will.
Now, the word ‘thank you,’ to which Master Eckhart refers in today’s sentence, must undoubtedly be addressed to God and spring from the depths of the soul. Thus, the heart opens up from all its closedness and recognises that it has received God’s help. Then a personal relationship with Him arises, in which our Father takes delight. It is only a small opening, perhaps tiny, but large enough for the infinite God to use it to prevent that soul from being lost forever.
It is difficult for us to understand this with our human criteria. It will only become clear to us when we realise how great our Father’s desire is to draw men to His eternal home and that every soul is so important to Him that He sent His own Son to redeem it.
What we can do is thank our Father for everything He gives us: for the good, which easily awakens gratitude in our hearts, but also for the evil that He is able to turn into good for us, even if we cannot see it. If we acquire a grateful heart and offer it to the Lord for all those who do not thank Him for the benefits He grants them, this would please our Heavenly Father very much.
In this way, we could do our bit to ensure that our Father hears at least once, “thank you, Father,” from the mouth of a specific person, even if it is before they die. We can be sure that God will not be outdone in the generosity of His love.