It may not seem that way right now, but there are reasons to be thankful
With the growing number of COVID-19 cases in our province and many others, it is natural to be concerned.
Many people are worried the situation will continue to get worse before it gets better. Given the current restrictions, how can we be truly grateful when we celebrate Thanksgiving this year?
St. Paul, in his letter to the Philippians, states, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ( Philippians 4:4-6)
It is so easy to feel overwhelmed when things seem beyond our control. St. Paul reminds us that we should not worry about these things because we are not alone: “The Lord is near.”
Countless spiritual writers throughout the centuries have stressed the importance of maintaining inner peace. One thing that will always disturb our peace is anxiety. That is why St. Paul says, “Do not worry about anything.”
Unfortunately, this is something that is easier said than done. How can we worry less?
In the scripture passage we are
told to make our requests known to God in prayer with supplication and thanksgiving. Here we find our answer.
Supplication is not a word that we use very often. It comes from the Latin verb supplicare, which means ‘to plead humbly.’ In my need I ask God for help.
I rejoice because God is close and will hear my humble prayer. Ithrust my worries and cares on God and this brings greater peace because I know that everything does not depend on me — “Cast all of your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Peter:7)
From a Christian perspective, the most fundamental reason for an attitude of gratitude is the fact that we have a God who loves us and cares for us beyond our imagining. All that is good
and beautiful in this world is a constant reminder of this fundamental truth. We do not carry our burdens alone. God is always with us.
God often uses people to show us His divine love, care, beauty and truth.
It begins with our parents. We are born into a family that offers love and acceptance. Here begins a journey of personal growth and discovery. Families are an incredible gift to us from God.
On the journey of life we encounter many others who help to make God’s presence known in this world. You only have to look at our local Niagara community and you see how many different people are using their gifts and talents to help others.
I am sure that all of us can think of specific individuals who are making a difference in the lives of others. Whether they realize it or not, God is using them for a greater good. One thing we can do is offer a prayer of thanksgiving for them.
St. Thérèse of Lisieux offers a very simple definition of prayer that I have always enjoyed. She said, “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.” (Story of A Soul, Chapter X)
Despite COVID-19, there are many things that we can be grateful for in this life. Let us not be worried because our loving God is so near to us.
Happy Thanksgiving.