It seems to me that our sense of gratitude has diminished in recent years. How often do we send or receive thank you cards? How often do we express our appreciation to people in our lives, let alone to God who has given us the gift of life itself?
Most of us would have to be honest and say we don’t say “thanks” often enough. We take so many things for granted.
Recovering a sense of gratitude might be one of the most important things we do. According to the Roman philosopher Cicero, “Gratitude is not only the greatest of the virtues but the parent of all others.”
In the New Testament words for thanksgiving appear about 55 times. For example, St. Paul urges Christians to give thanks for all things, in all circumstances (Eph 5:20; 1 Thess 5:18) and to do everything in the name of Jesus out of a spirit of gratitude (Col 3:17).
As we celebrate the holiday of Thanksgiving and enter the season of Advent, let us remember to say “thanks” to God first of all, and then to our families, friends, co-workers, and all those we encounter each day.
I add a word of “thanks” to all the readers of the Catholic Herald and wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving!