This Sunday we celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe as we approach the end of the liturgical year of our Church. We remember in a special way what Christ means to us, and what Christ did for us.
We also celebrate Thanksgiving Day this Thursday, and we give thanks in a special way for the many blessings that the Lord has bestowed on us. This is especially appropriate in these difficult and uncertain times as we strive to cope with the sustained impact of the COVID-19 virus.
As we enjoy a Thanksgiving Day meal, we can thank God for the blessings of our life, our family, our friends, our vocations and our faith. In addition, we are encouraged to resist the temptation to participate in shopping frenzies, but rather to truly take time to reaffirm our commitment to make Thanksgiving Day a day for Our Lord, family and friends.
The following “Prayer of Thanksgiving”, from www.xavier.edu/jesuitresource/online-resources, reflects the spirit which should be embraced on this special day:
As we reflect on this prayer, our bishops once again suggest that beginning Monday, the days before Thanksgiving be set aside for deeds of charity, for penance, and prayers for economic justice.
On behalf of the clergy and staff at Saint Brigid, we hope that your Thanksgiving Day will be a special one as we once again thank God for prayers answered and blessings received.
Heavenly Father,
I thank You for the wonderful day that You have made.
I thank You for my life and the lives of my loved ones.
I thank You Father for Your presence in my life,
for the confidence I have in You, and the plans You have for me.
I thank You for the immeasurable amount of love You have for me,
and how comforting it is to know that Your spirit is always with me.
I thank You Lord for all the big and small wins that I attain daily by the strength of Your spirit.
I thank You for the things in my life that I take for granted sometimes.
I thank You for a roof over my head, food to eat and clothes to wear.
I recognize that these things are all a gift from You, and I’m ever grateful.
May I develop an attitude of thanks in all circumstances Lord.
I pray that I’ll continue to remember that all things work together for good.
Thank You, Father, I love You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer, our bishops once again suggest that beginning Monday, the days before Thanksgiving be set aside for deeds of charity, for penance, and prayers for economic justice. On behalf of the clergy and staff at Saint Brigid, we hope that your Thanksgiving Day will be a special one as we once again thank God for prayers answered and blessings received.