THANKFULNESS:
Scripture: “Fix your thoughts on things that are above, not on things that are on earth…The wrath of God will
fall on those who are disobedient…As God’s chosen ones, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and
patience…You must forgive just as the Lord has forgiven you…Always be thankful.” – Colossians 3:2-15
Catechism of the Catholic Church: “God is love and love is His first gift, containing all others. “God’s love has been poured into our hearts
through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.” Because we are dead or at least wounded through sin, the first effect of the gift of love is the
forgiveness of our sins.” – CCC #733-734
Brothers and sisters, when I was praying the Office of Readings yesterday (April 27), the first reading was from St. Paul’s Letter to the
Colossians 3:1-17. One phrase jumped out at me and stayed with me these last 24 hours: “Always be thankful.” I have been examining my heart
ever since: have I always been thankful – grateful for the countless blessings God has shown me?
Had I been thankful for growing up in a loving and caring family? Was I grateful enough to my parents for the guidance, love and care
they showed me? Had I been thankful enough for the wonderful friends that I’ve made over my lifetime? Had I been grateful for the wonderful
job I had before retirement?
And just as importantly, had I been thankful for the discipline my parents showed me when I misbehaved? Was I grateful for all the
mistakes I made throughout my life that allowed me to learn from them? Most importantly, am I grateful for the Lord’s forgiveness of me for all
the many times I sinned and fell; hoping also, that I am able to forgive “those who have trespassed against me?”
Being thankful – being grateful –is an act of humility that kills the unhealthy pride that can destroy a soul. Thanking others is not a sign
of weakness. In God’s eyes, and in His heart, being grateful is a sign of strength. Because by our gratitude, we are showing Him – and others –
that we understand and admit that we cannot get through life without Him that loves us, and each other.
Brothers and sisters, if we are to survive this world and all the many temptations it offers, we must change our focus. About a month
ago I was listening to a podcast and the guest said that rather than concentrating on the many problems that we have no control over in this
world and the fear that comes with it, we ought to love and fear the Lord Who can vanquish all the evil in the world without batting an eye.
As such, let us also be thankful for a loving God Who protects and keeps watch over us; even when we acknowledge Him just a little bit.
Even when we aren’t always kind and loving, and thankful to those in our lives that help us in any way. When we are able to recognize the Lord in
others, it becomes easier to say ‘thank-you.’
Therefore, with an open heart may we begin to see others as God sees them; may we love others and God loves them; and may we be
thankful for them and all that they do, as we are thankful for a loving and forgiving God.
“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.
”
-St. Ambrose
5 Catholic Campus Ministry