Franciscan Media

God calls every one of us into a relationship of intimate, personal, loving, and life-giving communion. He is inviting us to share his life and the life of his whole family. Our response to God’s invitation to intimacy and communion is to be the person he created and calls us to be—to make a gift of ourselves—because when we give ourselves away in love, we truly find ourselves.

Thanksgiving focuses on God’s gifts. Our challenge is to take nothing for granted, but to appreciate every blessing. Thanksgiving is a way of life. Indeed, the prayer of thanksgiving characterizes a eucharistic people.

Our gratitude centers on the greatest gift of all—Jesus. This gift, and all the other gifts through God’s providence, are expressions of God’s love. How fitting and just it is that we always and everywhere express our gratitude to the Lord.

When we are conscious of what God has done in our lives, we develop gratitude. 

Like all expressions of praise, thanksgiving is rooted not only in God’s character but also in his actions. Praise and thanksgiving are like two instruments, a duet that communicates the glory of God in a stunning harmony.

— from Praise God and Thank Him: Biblical Keys to a Joyful Life by Jeff Cavins

In our suffering, we collaborate with Christ for the salvation of the world. Our suffering is therefore anything but random and meaningless. It is cosmically restorative, even though it may be a horrible burden to the sufferer. John Paul didn’t intend to whitewash suffering. Doing so would have been both insensitive and false. But he did want to show that God can use even suffering for the betterment of humankind. It, like everything else, has a place in the economy of salvation. 

Mother Mary knows each voice singularly. She hears the call, perceives the need, and rushes to her child’s side. This sweet Mother of mercy and grace will be there for her children in all dangers, difficulties, needs, doubts, and fears.

Mary knows your voice. She will hear your call, she will perceive your need, and then she will rush to your side. Call her now. She is waiting to hear your voice above all the others.

When I wake up every morning, I say, “Lord, thank you for giving me another day. Please grant me the grace to hear and obey you today.” While it only takes a few seconds, that simple prayer sets the tone for the entire day.

Each new day is a gift from the Lord. Beginning with prayer keeps the distractions of daily life at bay, so that we do not lose sight of God’s plan.