Mother Maria is a very strong woman. Keep in mind that, although it is not mentioned in the film, she and her sisters lived through World War II and the deprivations afterwards. They lived through the coming of communisim, kept their faith through the totalitinarism of communism, and managed to escape from behind the Iron Curtain. She leads her small flock to the American Southwest where she attempts to build a convent and mission. This takes a woman of extraordinary strength and will.
Mother Maria sees Homer as being sent by God to help them accomplish their goal. While Homer may truly have been sent by God, it is also true that Mother Maria bullies and guilt-trips him into doing what she wants. And Homer, in spite of the pressure, truly wants to help these women.
But have you thought that, in thanking Homer, Mother Maria would have to admit -- at least in her mind -- to bullying Homer, and her pride would not let her do this. Her strength against the war, against communism, against poverty is part of her; it is what has sustained her through all the hardships they faced. To thank Homer would break a hole in her pride, and she had a problem showing herself so vulnerable. This was Mother Maria's fault = her pride.
Homer came to realize her character. When he tricked her into saying, "Thank you," he was able to hear what he wanted to hear, and, at the same time, allow Mother Maria to keep her pride. Yes, pride is a sin, but, after all that she went through, is giving her a little leeway, as Homer did, wrong? Homer was able to make her crack and show gratitude towards him, but at the same time, keep her strength. And Homer was able to hear a "thank you," that acknowledged his work and yet kept him an equal of Mother Maria. She owed him for building the chapel and he owed her for letting him keep his indepencence.
Just some thoughts --
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