GRATITUDE
Is that pleasant affection of the mind which arises from a sense of favours received, and by which the possessor is excited to make all the returns of love and service in his power. “Gratitude, ” says Mr. Cogan (in his Treatise on the Passions, ) “is the powerful re-action of a well-disposed mind, upon whom benevolence has conferred some important good. It is mostly connected with an impressive sense of the amiable disposition of the person by whom the benefit is conferred, and it immediately produces a personal affection towards him. We shall not wonder at the peculiar strength and energy of this affection, when we consider that it is compounded of love placed upon the good communicated, affection for the donor, and joy at the reception. Thus it has goodness for its object, and the most pleasing, perhaps unexpected, exertions of goodness for its immediate cause. Thankfulness refers to verbal expressions of gratitude. ”
See THANKFULNESS.
Fuente: Theological Dictionary
gratitude
Gratitude recognizes benefits with praise and thanksgiving, returning them according to opportunity and means. Since beneficence neither supposes title in the receiver nor creates one in the giver, gratitude is a special virtue. However, dictated by man’s social nature, it is imposed by the Creator, to whom it is universally due.
Fuente: New Catholic Dictionary
Gratitude
See Thankfulness
Thankfulness