Dear St. Joseph Families,
Thanksgiving. It is an expression of gratitude, especially to God. Often times, we treat prayer as though it is our check-in when things are going tough or when we are dealing with a crisis. We have that right to bring our needs and our concerns to our dear Lord. What parent would not want to comfort children when they are saddened, hurt, or upset? Of course, God wants us to go to Him in the hour of need. Still, to offer praise and gratitude for our blessings is important to do so. The central act of the Catholic faith is the Sacrament of the Eucharist. Most of us are aware of that this stems from the Greek word meaning “thanksgiving.”
How fitting that we celebrate a holiday around a feast of gratitude. How simple it is to draw a connection to the heavenly banquet we recall each time the Mass is celebrated. The first Mass in our country was celebrated in St. Augustine, Florida in 1565 by Spanish missionaries. Something also to consider- the Thanksgiving meal was celebrated by one group of Christians who were able to survive their journey to this new land, thanks to the help of other Christians who saw it fitting to help their fellow man. Do we show the same compassion? Do we desire in our heart to help others in their corporal needs of food, shelter, clothing, etc.? Let us strive, in earnest, to help others have a reason to give thanks. Let us be a Eucharistic people, called to forth and share the Gospel message of love.
St. Joseph, pray for us.
For printable PDF version, click below:
Leave A Comment