If each of us would take the time to review his or her situation, I think that we would find much for which to be grateful. When there are problems -- especially now with financial and employment issues -- we tend to focus on them. The greater the difficulties the more do we spend our time thinking and talking about them. But as we look more closely at our lives, we see that everything is not bad. We are grateful for life, for the health that we do have or had, for the family that God gave us, for the ability to love and help others, and for many more things.
Today, on this Solemnity of Christ the Kng, we might thank God most of all for the greatest possible Gift, that of Jesus His Son. He is the One Who saves us, Who never leaves us, Who truly cares for us. We realize that by seeing Him as our King, we are saying that He is central to our lives.
When we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday this Thursday, hopefully we will see the blessings that we have and be thankful. Perhaps we find time everyday to tell God how much we appreciate what He has done for us. In spite of pain, heartache and worry, we know that He does care for us and wants us to be happy now and forever. Knowing the Eucharist means thanksgiving, we thank Him for this greatest of all the Sacraments and the other Sacraments. His Sacrifice, his forgiveness and his word are among other gifts for which we are grateful.
A natural response to receiving from God is for us to give to others. It is so good to see the outpouring of gifts for the less fortunate at this time of year in spite of the poor economy. May God reward you. May we continue this spirit of giving throughout the weeks and months ahead.
Right after Thanksgiving Day comes Advent next Sunday with the anticipated Saturday evening Mass. It is important to do our best to start praying well the prayers with the new translations. We should be aware that these prayers are the best translation of the standard official Latin prayers. The other languages in the world already have had these adequate translations in the vernacular. So, as we pray each prayer of the Mass, beginning next week, we will not only be praying with accurate words but also more perfectly in union with people of other languages.
In behalf of Fr. Joe, Fr. Sharp, Fr. Quill and Msgr. Hubba, I wish you a very HAPPY THANKSGIVING. I pray that God bless you with good health and all that you need.
Father Stanley
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