St. Joseph's Catholic Church

Blessed and Grateful

As we gather to celebrate Thanksgiving this weekend, we are reminded of the simple yet profound gift of gratitude. Today, our hearts are drawn toward appreciation—not just for the material blessings we’ve received, but for the people in our lives and the presence of God who sustains us through every season.

In Scripture, gratitude is not merely a polite “thank you,” but an essential posture of the heart. In 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Paul urges us to “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” What does it mean to give thanks in all circumstances? It means recognizing that every moment—whether filled with joy or challenge—has the potential to reveal God’s goodness.

When we look at the story of the Israelites in the wilderness, we see both gratitude and grumbling. They were freed from slavery, yet when hunger and hardship came, they lost sight of the freedom God had given them. How often do we, too, lose sight of our blessings when faced with trials? Thanksgiving is an invitation to restore our vision, to see God’s hand even in difficult moments.

Jesus Himself modeled this perfectly. At the Last Supper, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to His disciples. Knowing that He was about to face betrayal and crucifixion, He still gave thanks. This deep gratitude was rooted in trust—trust in His Father’s plan, trust that even in suffering, God’s love and purpose would prevail.

As we celebrate today, let us take time to reflect not just on what we have, but on who we have. The people sitting around us are God’s gifts. The breath in our lungs, the love in our hearts, and even the trials that strengthen us—all of these are reasons for thanksgiving. And above all, we give thanks for Jesus Christ, whose sacrifice has given us eternal life and hope.

So, on this Thanksgiving, let us cultivate a heart of gratitude that moves beyond a single day. Let it be a way of life, a daily acknowledgment that God is good and faithful. As we express our thanks, may we also be inspired to share our blessings with others, to live out the generosity and compassion that flows from grateful hearts.

May your hearts be filled with peace and joy today, as you give thanks to God, the giver of every good and perfect gift. Happy Thanksgiving.