Daily Thoughts: “To be grateful
is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us - and He has
given us everything. Every breath we draw is a gift of His love, every moment
of existence is a grace, for it brings with it immense graces from Him.
Gratitude therefore takes nothing for
granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to
praise of the goodness of God. For the grateful person knows that God is good,
not by hearsay but by experience. And that is what makes all the difference.” (Thomas
Merton)
I thought of this quote from Thomas
Merton as I read our readings today. Zephaniah (3: 1-2, 9-13) reminds that no
matter much we think of ourselves, there is someone greater in the life than
humanity. And in our Gospel (Matthew 21: 28-32) Jesus confronts us with the
question, what is more important the words we speak or the actions through
which we live?
Merton reminds us that it comes down to
being grateful. If we are grateful for our live, for the people we encounter,
for everything that is around us then we know something, someone is greater. If
we have gratitude then we are open to the wonder and grace of God. If we are
grateful then our actions will always be a positive response to what we are ask
to do and whom we are ask to be.
Thus the key word for our journey
through this day and every day is gratitude. May we truly be grateful for life
today because that will make all the difference!
Have a great day filled with joy and
gratitude everyone!
Daily Prayer: Loving God,
creator of all the times and seasons of our lives. Grace us with a faith this
day that is grounded in the characters of our lives who have made it possible
for us to be the women and men we are today. Gift us with the wisdom to remember
the stories of our life and help us to life the story of today and make you
presence once again. Amen!
A Runner’s Thoughts: “Your body will
argue that there is no justifiable reason to continue. Your only recourse is to
call on your spirit, which fortunately functions independently of logic.” (Tim
Noakes) Thankfully our spirits run on faith, hope and the presence of God!
Daily Blessing: Happy Tuesday
everyone! I hope all of you are having a good day. We are encountering a grey
winter day here in Pelham today. It is not real cold just that damp cold that
gets into your bones. Wherever you are I hope you are finding a little warmth
and joy today!
I pray for God’s blessing on all of us
today. May God enliven our spirits and enable us to bring the Good News in word
and deed wherever we go and to whomever we meet. May we travel safe, live this
day in God presence and rest this night in God’s peace. Peace in Christ’s
Passion…Fr. Paul
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