A Reminder of Our Blessings

On most days I’m better at counting my problems than my blessings.

So I could be a prime example of why Thanksgiving Day is so important – and why it shouldn’t be overshadowed by shopping or premature Christmas celebrations.

On most days I’m like one the nine lepers who never returned to Jesus to thank him after being healed. Like a lot of people – maybe even an overwhelming majority as St. Luke’s Gospel indicates – I get busy, distracted by other concerns, or just plain forget.

But at least there’s Thanksgiving, a yearly reminder of how blessed we are, and a whole day set aside to thank God for all He has given us.

I love to begin my day with the 9 a.m. Mass at St. Columbkille. It helps put the rest of my day in perspective.

And a mealtime blessing and prayer of thanksgiving helps me better appreciate God’s goodness every day of the year.

Here’s one borrowed from “Celebrating Faith: Year-round Activities for Catholic Families” by Mary Cronk Farrell:

THANKSGIVING TABLE PRAYER

O Gracious God, we give You thanks for Your overflowing generosity to us. Thank You for the blessings of the food we eat and especially for this feast today. Thank You for our home and family and friends, especially for the presence of those gathered here. Thank You for our health, our work and our play. Please send help to those who are hungry, alone, sick and suffering war and violence. Open our hearts to Your love. We ask Your blessing through Christ Your Son. Amen.

Inspired by the Year of Faith, Susan Szalewski began writing weekly columns for us. Although that year is over, we liked them so well that we asked her to keep writing. Thankfully, she said yes. So watch for these on Thursdays and see the Year of Faith Blog here.