Thanksgiving greetings from the Province Center,
I would like for you to think for a minute about the last time you were truly thankful. I don’t mean the last time you said thank you. Sadly, for most of us saying thank you is more of a cultural norm than it is a real statement of gratitude. But what I mean is when you were thankful to the very depth of your being. For most of us, that is a bit more challenging.
“A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all other virtues.” Cicero
When God first told Moses that he would lead his chosen people to a good land, a land flowing with milk and honey, Moses admonished the people saying, when you prosper and become rich and happy, you must not forget that it is not your own doing; it is a pure gift from God.
I know that in my own life I see a pattern of failure in that regard. I am all too ready to take credit for my successes but blame God for my weaknesses and failures.
In the traditional Thanksgiving Day readings, we hear the story of the 10 lepers who were healed. Only one returned to give thanks. I believe that we must strive to be that leper who returned to thank Jesus.
“Thankfulness is the beginning of Gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.”
Henri Frédéric Amiel
This Thanksgiving don’t miss the opportunity to say thank you to all the people who enrich your life.
Let us be grateful for the blessings we have received and pass them on to others.
Let us certainly count our blessings, but more importantly, we should also make our blessings count.
May you have a blessed and prayer filled Thanksgiving with friends and loved ones.
Rev. Daniel R. Hall, CSV
Provincial
Clerics of St. Viator, Chicago Province