Pastors Notes from November 20, 2022
-
November 21, 2022So quickly we approach Thanksgiving Day, and the beginning of Advent on the Sunday following. With good reason the Church has set the same gospel passage each year for this Thursday: "Ten were cleansed, were they not? Where are the other nine? Has none but this foreigner returned to give thanks to God?" No doubt we have each confronted various personal struggles this past year, and at the same time, numerous blessings from the hand of God that we often take for granted. When Abraham Lincoln secured the annual date for our country’s day of Thanksgiving, he offered the following reasoning: “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. . . fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore. . .peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.”
Wherever we gather on Thanksgiving, whoever is present at the table, however modest the food, may we not forget the most significant ingredient: a prayer of thanksgiving. (Then again, any ‘official’ Thanksgiving meal must include cooked cranberries.)
My gratitude to you for your faith and presence shared within our churches, the Eucharist, our various activities—and your support of our ongoing mission to bring forth the healing presence of Christ through the blessing of our Catholic-Christian faith. For the many who offer their time and efforts and sacrifices within our parishes, thank you. Whatever our challenges, and the blessings we receive, may we graciously welcome parishioners and visitors alike to share in the Eucharist, seek opportunities to offer our gifts with those in need, and bring forth a presence of hope in our daily endeavors and encounters. May God continue to bless our community of faith in Boone County, and may we as Catholic-Christians graciously receive the presence of Christ in the Eucharist, and humbly walk the path He provides.
Thank you to those who generously shared various food items last weekend for pantries and outreach efforts to those in need; and our two Knights of Columbus Councils who volunteered their time for this food drive. Next Sunday the liturgical season of Advent begins with a two fold purpose: to prepare for Christmas, remembering the precious gift of Christ’s birth into this world; and a time to reflect on His second coming at the end of time. Four weeks to prepare by seeking God’s forgiveness for our sins, and acknowledge what blessings we have yet to share.
I leave you with a different prayer of gratitude within the words shared by author and presenter, Steve Maraboli.
Lord God, my Holy Companion,
As I step into this day may I dare to be the person You created me to be.
As this day begins, may I dare to smile gratefully.
When there is darkness, may I dare to reflect a ray of light.
When I see an injustice, may I dare to confront it.
When I face a difficulty, may I dare to accept the challenge.
When there seems to be no hope, may I dare to reach out to your Son. When I’m feeling tired, may I dare to pause and gather my thoughts. When I’m hurt may I dare to let go and care for another.
When another is lost, may I dare to offer my presence.
When a friend falls, may I dare to humbly extend a hand.
When I cross paths with a stranger, may I dare to extend a kind word.
When the day has ended, may I dare to pause and offer a prayer of thanksgiving, for Your Presence within the struggles and blessings that unfolded.
May I dare to find peace in my heart and very soul, as only You can offer. Amen. May God Bless, Fr. Tim
FYI: “Prayer is an aspiration of the heart. It is a simple glance directed to heaven. It is a cry of gratitude and love in the midst of trial as well as joy.” (St. Thérèse of Lisieux)