Do you suppose that the free lunch program began with Jesus? When Jesus fed the 4,000 the disciples contributed some to the impromptu church supper, but the main fixings rested on Jesus. It was a compassionate act to save those gathered from hunger and distress.
I’m not sure if anyone actually thanked Jesus for his largesse. The text does not tell us. I hope some did, but Jesus would have done what he did whether or not there was a thankful response. We always feel good when our good actions produce thankfulness, but we should still do them no matter what the response, if they are the right actions. Keeping an appreciation score card can make one miserable. Better it is, to do good and not expect a reward; then when thankfulness is expressed, we can experience that delight but not be diminished when the response is lacking. We can change the atmosphere by being those who express gratitude and thankfulness. It has some of the shared contagion of a smile. Gratitude can produce gratitude.
How often have we expressed our gratitude for the beautiful world God has created? Far beyond practical functionality, God made so much that is strikingly lovely - from purple-headed mountains to shining seas, from iridescent hummingbird wings to wooly lambs, from soft baby skin to weathered character faces. There is so much in our world that is unique and wonderful! So, scripture proclaims, “O Lord, what amazing variety you have created!!” Not only is there free lunch, but a whole world of freedom and beauty quite beyond our imagination!