There are always a number of good reasons for giving thanks to Almighty God, and the Thanksgiving holiday is a wonderful time that reminds us of how important it is to be thankful. Here are a few of the reasons that I am thankful this year:
- The Jubilee Year of Mercy was a wonderful time of spiritual renewal for many people. A great number of people made a point to approach the confessional, and some of them has not been to the sacrament for many years.
- A special emphasis was made by the Church in regard to forgiveness and healing for those who have been wounded by abortions in their past. And Pope Francis has extended this special emphasis beyond the Jubilee Year of Mercy!
- The United States of America has elected more and more pro-life persons to public office. Now we need to pray for them, support, encourage and cajole them to follow through in promoting and providing laws that respect the sacredness of every human life, from conception to natural death!
- I give thanks to God for each of you, for the graces that Our Lord Jesus has poured out in your lives during this past year, and for the graces that He will pour out upon you during the coming year.
What are your reasons for giving thanks? Please feel free to share them with us by replying to this post!
Nancy B says
I am thankful to God for many things but most of all for his constant love for me and the faith he has given to me, a true gift. I’m am thankful for all the ways God has showed himself to me through personal struggles as it is making me stronger in searching him. I’m thankful for another year to grow close to him and to be his light for others too see in this dark world. I am thankful that my six grandchildren have been baptized and am thankful for being able to share life with my 90 yr old mom. I am thankful for Our Blessed Mother, she is always there to comfort me, and very thankful that God arranged and planned everything for me to go to Medjugorje in this Jubilee Year of Mercy on a post abortive healing retreat, so thankful for people that care. I am thankful for good shepherds like you Fr Ben who help is grow closer to God and become what God has intended for us. Everyday I pray that I find what God has planned for me. Jeremiah29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
Jesus I Trust in You!
Maria McManus says
Hi Fr. Ben – I have so much to be thankful for, here are three.
My estranged husband coming to see me unexpectedly (we have lived separately for 5.5 yrs) seeking reconciliation, which is happening.
My unbelieving husband accepting the Lord Jesus Christ into his heart and asking forgiveness for his sins.
My unbaptized husband seeking to be Baptized and come into full communion in the Church. Truly the Lord has astonished me with His generosity and amazed with His gifts of grace.
What a marvel to have Jesus Christ as the Lord and King of our marriage as well as our lives. Praise the Lord now and forever.
Blessings
Maria McManus