Pastor's Pen - October 23, 2016

There is a great deal of conversation these days about rights and entitlements. Maybe because of the prosperity of the past century, we feel that we have a right to all kinds of blessings. “Don’t I have a right to be happy?” “Don’t I have a right to a long life?” “Don’t I have a right to good health?” “Don’t I have a right to some peace?” Are these rights or are they gifts and blessings?

What if one day we woke up to find we had to live with what we showed thanks to God for in previous days?

In the letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, Paul asks a very profound question: “What do you have that you have not received?”

When was the last time I thanked God for blessings received?

Most of us are grateful for prayers answered, but how many go out of our way to express that thanks.

What is the significance of the 100+ years of existence of these parishes? It shows the dedication the people of this community have toward their faith and toward their parish. Every anniversary shows the enduring love of God for his people in this area. This loving relationship that has continued for 100+ years between God and his people and the support that God’s people have shown to this parish is indeed significant. This is something to celebrate and be thankful for.

Do we notice the blessings of God in our everyday lives?

 Do we show gratitude for our parents who gave us life, food, shelter, clothing and education and, maybe by their love gave us a sense of self-worth?
 Do we show gratitude for the friendships we have?
 Do we show gratitude to God for the gift of intelligence and the gifts of sight and hearing?
 Do we show gratitude to God for living in this country?

Do we show gratitude to God for the gift of our Catholic faith?

 Do we thank God for the cleansing possibilities of the power of the sacrament of reconciliation?
 Do we thank God for the opportunity to have the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist?

Do all these blessings bring us closer to the Lord? Or do we take them for granted, almost as though we were entitled to them?

How do we demonstration our gratitude to God for all the blessings received?

Ultimately, the prayer of thanksgiving doesn’t benefit God. It benefits us. Whatever else we do at Mass/at the Eucharist (which means gratefulness/thanksgiving) let us never forget to give thanks to the Lord.

Fr Chuck