Memorial of St. Andrew Dung-Lac, Priest, and Companions, Martyrs
In all three of today’s readings, there is a message of reassurance of God’s love for us and His promise never to leave us. There is also a message of thanksgiving for the countless blessings and graces the Lord has bestowed upon us. This message is very fitting for the day after Thanksgiving. To be thankful is a core aspect of our spiritual lives as it helps keep us rooted in Christ and rely on His love and guidance from day to day. Sometimes, our blessings come from unexpected areas of our lives.
Fostering a spirit of thanksgiving does not have to be limited to visible things, but can also be manifested in the areas we may not always look at. Noticing the blessings in our lives can be an invitation to enter more deeply into our spiritual lives. Being thankful has been exceptionally helpful in my personal spiritual growth. I didn’t realize just how blessed I am in my life until I was given a penance for confession to spend five minutes thinking about the blessings in my life. I ended up spending twenty minutes and could have spent much more time.
Today’s readings are particularly helpful as a reminder not only to voice our own petitions but also to have a spirit of constant gratitude in our daily lives. God does so much for us and, most of the time, doesn’t get enough credit. We are encouraged to be thankful for the countless blessings and guidance that God has bestowed upon us in our busy lives. Especially on this day after Thanksgiving, let us rejoice and give thanks not just for our families and friends, but also to express our thanks to God through Jesus Christ. Let us give Him thanks for all of the prayers He has answered, known and unknown, in our lives. Let us especially be thankful for the abundant love that He has for us.
Reflection by Brett, seminarian
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections