Giving thanks
From today’s Scripture: “In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”—1 Thes. 5:18
We value giving thanks for the gifts we receive, and I reprimand myself when I fail to do so. We teach our children good manners by teaching them to say thanks; we are offended when we give a gift and are not thanked, especially at this gift-giving time of the year.
Yet, I can forget to thank God for the precious gift of life some days, or even forget to thank Jesus for his wonderful gift of mercy on other days, and not even think to thank him for the promise of eternal joy and happiness with him when I die. I fail to thank God even for such material gifts as life-giving oxygen, which I have been taking in free of charge all day.
Let us pray: Father, I’m sorry I have accepted your many wonderful gifts without being thankful. Please, open my heart and my understanding. Help me change.
Today’s author is Glenmary Father Frank Ruff, former mission pastor and ecumenist.
Free delivery! Sign up to receive this in English or in Spanish daily by email.