“Let us give thanks to the Father who has made you fit to share in the inheritance of the holy ones in light.”
Colossians 1:12
Gratitude is the memory of the heart, according to an old French saying. When the heart is nurtured well in God’s image, we can’t help but give thanks because gratitude is a natural expression of who we are. We are God’s children.
Today, I have gratitude for the abundance of our lives… especially our families, our parish communities, and the mission faith that sustains us. I will thank God on Thanksgiving Day for all of these gifts—and for you. You are the heart and soul of mission each time you live your faith with compassion. As you gather this week with loved ones, know that our Fathers and Brothers will remember you in prayer, deeply grateful for your commitment to serve beside us. Please say a prayer for us, too, because many of our missioners will be celebrating Thanksgiving Day far from home and loved ones.
I am also grateful for the ultimate mystery of our lives: God’s gift of creation. Today the Church celebrates the feast of Christ the King who reigns over all creation and imbues us with his love… another memory of the heart that encourages us to imitate Christ in all we do.
Friend, Thanksgiving is the holiday we celebrate as a nation. Christ the King is the feast day we celebrate as people of faith. May your celebration of holiday and holy day fill you with gratitude and joy. I always remind myself: giving away the gift of love costs nothing; and the reward for giving is knowledge of a life well lived in the presence of our God. May you experience the abundance of life this Thanksgiving.
Prayer for Feast of Christ the King
For life, health, family, friends,
we give You thanks, O Lord.
For food, shelter, clothing, books
we give You thanks, O Lord.
For creation: the seas and sky
the mountains, lakes and rivers,
the trees, animals, birds and fish,
flowers and butterflies,
we give You thanks, O Lord.
But most of all for the gift of Yourself,
Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit
through whom You give us faith and forgiveness
and a heart overflowing with praise and love
for all the people You bless me with
now and forever.
Amen.
Prayer by Father Joseph R. Veneroso
This is Father Ray Finch saying thank you for taking your journey of faith with me today. Until next time, you are always in my prayers.
