Dear Parishioners,
With Thanksgiving approaching, I ask that you take the time to consider and reflect on the things for which you are thankful. Most of us will find times when we like to moan, groan and complain about many things. However, it is a good practice to take an inventory of the things in our lives that we might take for granted or fail to fully appreciate each day.
A statement that I heard quite some time ago seems to put things into proper perspective: “I used to complain about the shoes I wore until I met the man with no feet.”
Am I thankful for that fact that I am alive?
Aborted babies never had that opportunity.
Do I thank God every day for my health?
The hospitalized and homebound might long for days without pain and the ability to get out of bed.
Do I take my faith for granted?
There are still places in the world where people suffer and die for being a Christian.
Do I go to bed each night with a roof over my head and a full stomach?
The homeless and those in line at the soup kitchen are probably envious.
Do I have a family with whom to spend the holidays?
The orphan, widow or widower, soldier in Iraq or Afghanistan
If I can read and understand what this reflection is all about, am I truly grateful?
The blind, the mentally ill, a person with Alzheimer’s, or simply an illiterate person might not be able to do what you are doing right now.
Need I say any more? Please give thanks.
I thank all my parishioners (current and former), and my family and friends for your continual, loving support. (I apologize for any time when I failed to thank you or may have taken you for granted.)
To me, there’s no better way to give thanks than by participating in the celebration of Mass on Thanksgiving Day.
Fr. Ed Namiotka
Pastor
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