TYL. [THANK YOU, LORD] FOR EVERYTHING!

This Sunday Gospel strikes a chord in our hearts today as it speaks to us of a very human sentiment – GRATITUDE. Of the few words in any human language that can truly cheer up people, “THANK YOU” has the unique power to light up the face and cheer up the heart. Even the Lord Jesus appreciates gratitude. The grateful Samaritan obviously brought happiness to the Heart of Jesus.

Does God need our thanks? In the Mass we say, “You have no need of our praise, but the desire to thank you is itself your gift. Our prayer of thanksgiving adds nothing to your greatness but makes us grow in your love...” It is in the heart of God to grant us favors, to listen to our prayers, and to lavish on us his love. He is our loving Father. And it doesn’t matter whether we thank Him or not. He will never change. But God desires that men and women become grateful. For gratitude helps us.

First, IT OPENS OUR EYES TO THE FACT THAT WE ARE BLESSED. A grateful is a happy person, a person conscious that life is full of blessings, great and small. It is a gift to be able to recognize that there are many good things that happen in our lives and that the hand of God continues to mysteriously work in the world. Thanking God and the people around us radiates joy and affirmation. A great deal of pain has resulted from undue focus on blame, lack, and shortcomings. But notice the different atmosphere created by people who are positive, affirming and grateful.

Second, GRATITUDE INVITES MORE BLESSINS. People are encourage to do more, to do better, and to become better when they are surrounded by thankful people. We are motivated not only to give good things to others, but also to become blessings ourselves. We share ourselves more as we feel the love and appreciation that others express to us. This is true in our relationship with God and with one another.

Thank You Lord, for everything you give us.

When was the last time you said “THANK YOU” sincerely to the people in your life who deserve to hear it? When was the last time you consciously said, “THANK YOU! LORD!” as you prayed devotedly and as you offered the Eucharist, the sacrament of thanksgiving? Henceforth, make it always a habit to be thankful, for you are blessed and you a blessing to others. T.Y.L.

Key Concepts: Planning. To be successful in developing the human and financial resources needed to carry out its mission, a parish needs to have a PLAN. The purpose if the plan is to set direction by answering the following fundamental questions? 1) Who are we? And what is our primary mission. 2) What values do we choose to emphasize as characteristic of “what we stand for?” 3) What do want to do? What are our goals? 4) How can we accomplish our goals? 5) What specific steps of action to attain our goals?

October 10, this Monday Columbus Day is observed. The optional memorial of St. Callistus is celebrated on Oct.14 and the feast of St. Teresa of Avila is on Oct.15. Pray the Rosary every day during this month of October for peace in our country and in the world. This is all for now, watch for the next bulletin.

Your Priest-Servant and Parochial Administrator,

Fr. Reggie