My dear friends in Christ,
Why is it so difficult to be grateful? Gratitude is not something that we freely give. There is always something in our lives to be thankful for. Maybe we need to develop a daily gratitude practice which will help increase happiness and make our physical health better. Studies show that gratitude improves sleep, boosts immunity, and decreases the risk of disease. In the First Reading from Ezekiel, the Lord God promises to plant trees that will bear fruit for us. He promises to send birds of all kinds and it is there they will find shade. How can we not be thankful for this? In the Second Reading, St. Paul encourages us to walk by faith and not by sight and to have courage. Shouldn’t we be grateful for Life, Faith, and Courage? Jesus taught His followers by means of parables, stories that illustrated Christian truths using examples from everyday life. The images of farmers, grain, seeds and plants invited Jesus’ followers to discover the nature of God’s reign. It is beautiful imagery. The mustard seed is so small, yet works its way into something grand. Jesus’ disciples were greatly encouraged; their own inadequacies would not hinder the coming of the reign of God. This gives us much to be grateful and thankful for.
I want to thank those who gave me the small surprise dinner to celebrate my 10th Anniversary as a priest. Many thanks! I am truly grateful! A more formal celebration will take place in the summer as well as the late recognition of our Feast Day of Corpus Christi and my 5th Anniversary here. More details to come ...
May God bless you all,
Father John