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Our Call to Gratitude
As we gather around tables laden with autumn’s bounty this Thanksgiving, we Catholics are called to remember that gratitude is not merely a seasonal gesture but a fundamental expression of our faith.
In the words of Psalm 107:1, “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, His love endures forever.”
This divine instruction reminds us that thanksgiving isn’t just an annual celebration, but rather a daily disposition of the heart that brings us closer to God.
The Eucharistic Connection
Our very word “Eucharist” comes from the Greek word “eucharistia,” meaning thanksgiving. Each time we participate in the Holy Mass, we engage in the ultimate act of thanksgiving, commemorating Christ’s supreme sacrifice and the infinite love of our Heavenly Father.
The Thanksgiving season presents us with a special opportunity to deepen this practice of gratitude in our daily lives, connecting our family celebrations with the profound thanksgiving we experience at Mass.
Finding God in All Things
St. Ignatius of Loyola taught us to find God in all things, both great and small. When we reflect on the experiences of our lives, we discover countless moments of divine grace: the gift of faith that sustained us through challenging times, the blessing of family and community that reflected God’s love, the daily bread that reminded us of His providence, and even the trials that strengthened our trust in Divine wisdom. These experiences, both joyful and difficult, have woven together to form a tapestry of God’s faithful presence in our lives.
Making Our Celebration Sacred
This Thanksgiving, we can enrich our celebration by incorporating meaningful spiritual practices. Begin your meal with more than a routine grace—share moments where you witnessed God’s hand in your life this year. Light a candle during dinner to represent Christ’s presence at your table, creating a sacred space within your home. Take time to pray for those who may be alone or in need during the holiday, extending your circle of gratitude to embrace the whole human family.
Gratitude in Action
True thanksgiving extends beyond our dinner tables and into the very heart of our Catholic mission. We’re called to transform our gratitude into action, reaching out to others with the same generosity that God has shown us. Consider volunteering at your parish’s food pantry, inviting someone who might be alone to join your family celebration, or making a special offering to your church or a Catholic charity. These acts of kindness become prayers of thanksgiving, embodying Christ’s love in our community.
A Prayer for Our Journey
As we embrace this season of gratitude, let us remember that every moment of thanksgiving is a moment of prayer. When we gather with loved ones, share our abundance, and count our blessings, we participate in a sacred act that echoes the eternal thanksgiving of the Mass. Our gratitude becomes a bridge between heaven and earth, connecting our earthly celebrations with the divine feast that awaits us.
May this Thanksgiving draw us closer to the source of all blessings, inspiring us to live as faithful stewards of God’s grace throughout the year ahead.
Come Join Us In Prayer!
