Giving Thanks

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We forget that Thanksgiving means "giving thanks." How many people think to go to Mass on Thanksgiving? Granted it is a civil holiday, but to whom are we giving thanks? There is not a day that goes by we don't have a reason for thanking God. Even when things aren't going our way, there is always something to be grateful for. St. Ambrose says: "No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks." 

A grateful soul is a cheerful soul because it recognizes that whatever it is receiving, be it easy or difficult, is a gift from God. "All things work together unto good for those who love God." I think the holiday of Thanksgiving at the end of the year makes us reflect on all the twists and turns of our life this year and how God used everything for His work in the salvation of souls. If we struggle with finding things to be grateful for, then perhaps we are not praying enough. St. Alphonsus says: "He who prays most receives most." The more we give glory to God, the more He will bless us.

Thanksgiving naturally brings families together and makes us grateful for those God has placed in our life. After God, our family should receive the most of our gratitude for being by our side through thick and thin. It is a holiday that we celebrate through feasting because food has a special knack for bringing people together. 

I hope you and yours have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving holiday!