Fr. Frank Majka, SJ – The Bridge

Much Obliged!

When I was growing up, my Dad would say to someone who’d done him a favor or some service, “much obliged.” I haven’t heard that expression in a long time; a simple “thank you” appears to have replaced it. However, the two phrases are not exactly equivalent, for “thank you” conveys simple gratitude, while “much obliged” definitely carries the meaning of owing something in return.

If we do have an obligation to those who have done good to us, then we can discharge it by doing something good for them. But when it comes to repaying our debts of gratitude for the blessings and gifts we have received from God, how do we do that?

Of course a “thank you” to God is always appropriate, especially if it comes from the heart. But if we feel indebted to God, how can we pay that debt? One way, and one which Jesus recommended, is to use what we have from God to help and show love to others. Our faith tells us that the gifts we’ve been given are meant to be a blessing for them as well as for us.

So, being “much obliged” to God means being obliged to extend ourselves to others as a way to fulfill our obligation to God for all he has given us.