EVEN THOUGH MANY stores already have their shelves stocked with Christmas decorations and potential gifts for our loved ones, another holiday precedes it, one that bears prayerful consideration. Thanksgiving will be here soon, with many of us planning our dinner menu and verifying the number of family and friends who will be able to join us. Hopefully we are reflecting on all the blessings and gifts bestowed on us by our good and loving God and taking quiet prayer time to thank Him. Parents want to provide for their children and loved ones and give good gifts to them. Jesus acknowledged this when he said: “If you … know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him” (Mt. 7:11). Most likely we are quick to turn to God and ask for help when in need. Afterwards, how quick are we to return to God and give thanks? It seems good to spend at least as much time thanking God as we do in asking, if not more.
God our Father infinitely loves each of us, His beloved children, and wants the very best for us – eternal happiness with Him in heaven. For this reason, He has given us the greatest possible gift, that of sending His Son Jesus for our eternal salvation. St. John tells us, “God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (Jn. 3:16). Have we ever wished we could have been present with Jesus as he was being crucified on Calvary?
At each Mass, present His sacrifice on the cross in an unbloody manner under the appearance of bread and wine. The Greek word eucharist means thanksgiving or gratitude. Are we aware, when we approach the altar to receive Holy Communion, that it is truly Jesus Himself coming to us? Do we welcome Him? Do we thank Him? Finally, at times God allows events in our lives which seem far from a blessing. These can be sickness, suffering, losses or harm. We might be tempted to wonder if God has abandoned us or is punishing us. That is a temptation, not reality. All that God allows to happen to us comes from the depths of His infinite love for us, even what seems almost unbearable, and is permitted in order to help us on the path to salvation. It is in these times especially when we need to lean on God’s loving presence and strength to make it through. We can say “I do believe, help my unbelief,” (Mk. 9:24) asking His help to continue to trust in His love for us, even when our senses and experiences tell us otherwise.
FOR YOUR FAMILY:
■ Pray a Litany of Thanks: Before starting your Thanksgiving dinner, let each person mention some of God’s blessings and thank Him. Alternatively, you might want to do this as your Grace after the meal, so the food doesn’t get cold.
■ Attend Mass together on Thanksgiving Day. Participating in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is the greatest act of worship and thanks we can offer to God.
■ Plan into your daily schedule a particular time when you will briefly stop to think of and thank God for the gifts and blessings He has given you that day.
■ Quietly reflect on a difficult or painful experience in your life from which good eventually came. If you wish, share it with your family.