Paul's Second Attitude after his Transfiguration

Gratitude is the second attitude that Cardinal Martini speaks of with regard to Paul's transfiguration. This inner attitude is his capacity for gratitude. He exhorted his people to thank the Father with joy (see Col 1:11-12). It is typical of Paul to combine joy with gratitude, thanksgiving.
Paul's Letters begin with thanksgiving. "Grace to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for you all." (1Thessolonians 1:1-2).
Paul had the capacity always to see the good first. Beginning every letter with thanks means that he knows how to value primarily the positive in whatever community he is writing to, even if there are some weighty, negative things that will need to be said. He had the ability to see the good that is present and to express it with simplicity.
Tomorrow we will take up Paul's third inner attitude.