There are two loves, the love of God and the love of the world. If the love of the world takes possession of you, there is no way for the love of God to enter into you. Let the love of the world take the second place, and let the love of God dwell in you. Let the better love take over. —St. Augustine
Thank you Holy Spirit for giving me the courage and strength to fight for love. You are welcome to overwhelm my heart and enlighten any neglected, hardened darkened places with Your loving light. Help me be a star of light filled with optimism, truth, faith and service. Amen
To be grateful is to recognize the love of God in everything. – Thomas Merton
As co-creators with God, look into the mirror of your day and contemplate the following questions. Where do you see God’s loving presence and where did you turn away from God?
• Where did my eyes linger today?
• Where was I blind?
• What did I learn today?
• What did I read?
• What new thoughts visited me?
• What differences did I notice in those closest to me?
• Whom did I neglect?
• Where did I neglect myself?
• What did I begin today that might endure?
• How were my conversations?
• What did I do today for the poor and excluded?
• Did I remember the dead today?
• Where could I have exposed myself to risk something different?
In all things, joys and sorrows, we have reason to praise the Lord.
I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall be always in my mouth. My soul will glory in the Lord; let the poor hear and be glad. Magnify the Lord with me; and let us exalt his name together. (Ps 34:2-4)
As we begin the advent season, how can we not contemplate Mary’s journey in the final days of her pregnancy. Her journey mirrors ours as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Take some time today to reflect on what sacred longings are in your heart. What are the joys you long for?
What are the joys you are currently experiencing? How do I maintain the balance and lean towards gratitude during uncertain times not falling into the spiral of fear?
Lord, every day can be our yes, our Fiat, like Mary allowing your love to be born in our heart. Help me say yes today out of love for you. Amen
Hearing of your faith in the Lord jesus and of your love for all the holy ones, I do not cease giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation resulting in knowledge of him. May the eyes of your hearts be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope that belongs to his call, what are the riches of glory in his inheritance among the holy ones, and what is the surpassing greatness of his power for us who believe, in accord with the exercise of his great might, which he worked in Christ, raising him from the dead and seating him at his right hand in the heavens.
Ephesians 115-20
God of all thankfulness,
you invite us to rejoice in the blessings
we receive your presence in our lives.
May we return thanks for all that you have given us and witness your love in the world.
A beautiful prayer for our Thanksgiving meal can express gratitude for the blessings we have received.
Heavenly Father,
We gather together today to give You thanks for the many blessings You have bestowed upon us. We thank You for this meal, for the hands that prepared it, and for the love that surrounds us.
As we share this food, may we also share our love and kindness with one another. Bless our time together, and may it strengthen our bonds as family and friends.
This past Sunday, we celebrated Christ the King and ended the liturgical year. Who is Christ for you? Is he the sovereign king that you cherish and obey when times are only good? We are called to let him sit on the throne of our heart always and we can do this through the lens of gratitude. I love this quote: gratitude is the memory of the heart – St. Mary Euphrasia Pelletier. Let us remember today and always!
And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
Colossians 3:17
Thank you Lord, in every task, big or small, you draw me to do it with a thankful heart. Let me listen to your voice that encourages me to see every moment as an opportunity to action and give thanks. Amen
Smitten With Goodness 