CHRISTIANS ARE (CALLED TO BE) A THANKFUL PEOPLE:
Scripture: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Catechism of the Catholic Church: “It is the duty of citizens to contribute along with the civil authorities to the good of society in a spirit of truth, justice, solidarity, and freedom. The love and service of
one’s country follow from the duty of gratitude and belong to the order of charity.” – CCC #2239
Brothers and sisters, as this weekend celebrates the 250th anniversary of our country, let us remember that as Americans, we live in a country that promotes life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. This is cause enough to be full of gratitude!
And before anyone starts arguing, yes, I read the news; several times a day in fact. I read the news so I know who and what I need to pray for. And, I do not get my information from just one news source. I read the main U.S.-based news services, but then compare that against an international news service known for its fair and balanced reporting.
Now, unexpectedly, what has caught the U.S.A. by surprise is the thanksgiving and gratitude for our country – by non-Americans Soccer (football to the rest of the world) fans have come to our country for the World Cup and are amazed that our country is nothing like it is portrayed in the media. It is nothing like what some unhappy Americans on social media say it is!
A number of these fans are saying that they feel they have been lied to for years; claiming that is why they chose to travel to other vacation spots rather than to the U.S. Which then begs the question: Why are some of us so forgetful and ungrateful for the many freedoms we have living in this country, when other places do not offer the freedoms that we do have.
For instance, two countries still do not allow women to vote; eight countries ban any type of alcohol; there are fifteen countries around the world that require women to cover their hair when out in public; there are sixty-six countries around the world where homosexuality is illegal, with eleven of those countries applying the death penalty. The United States do none of these things. Aren’t these few instances enough for Americans to be grateful that we don’t live elsewhere?
And, as Christians, let us never forget to be thankful that we serve a mighty and loving God! Life may not always be easy, and it was
never promised to be: “I have told you this so that you might have peace in Me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I
have conquered the world.”
Brothers and sisters, People will always have something to whine and complain about – whether it is perceived or factual; either way, they choose to focus on the wrong, rather than blessings. It just seems to be part of human nature.
However, when we make room for Jesus Christ in our lives, we are able to see His light which shines brighter than the sun; even in the darkest of times. Even when it seems that our lives and/or our country is at its worst. I remember when growing up learning something that nine times out of ten turns out to be true: “Whoever screams the loudest has the most to hide.”
While, according to scripture, “They fear only human eyes and do not realize that the eyes of the Lord are ten-thousand times brighter than the sun; observing every aspect of human behavior and gazing into the most secret corners.” Brothers and sisters, we might fool other people, but we can neither fool nor run from the Lord.
Therefore, as Americans – as Christian Americans – let us rejoice and be glad that we live in a country whose motto is, “In God We Trust.”
“We should spend as much time in thanking God for His benefits
As we do in asking Him for them.”
-St. Vincent de Paul
