On this day, we give thanks to God for creating the heavens and the earth and for all who dwell on it.
This is a statutory holiday, when people first celebrated their harvest and the blessings of the year. We try to be thankful for the bounty of the past usually celebrated on the second Monday in October. Let’s turn ourselves towards the Lord for all the blessings he poured on our humanity.
“There is an appointed time for everything, and there is a time for every affair under the heavens.” Ecc 3:1
First, give thanks to the Lord who shaped and inspired your parents who were part of your lives since you were born, and for other people that helped you along the way. They passed along their faith, their knowledge and their wisdom.
Today, get together and share a delicious meal with relations, family and friends and with whom you cared for. Spend some time with them, by doing some reflections, some prayers and remember all the blessings you have received in your lives. Be thankful for what the Lord has provided for you this season, recognize your journey and thank him for his unending mercy.
“Gracious is the Lord and just, yes, our Lord is merciful.” Ps.116:5
May the Lord accompany you each day through your trials and burdens. With a faithful heart thank him for all the gifts he bestowed on you during your life time, especially for all the love he has given you. Put all your trust in him, so you can receive his transforming love which is always at work within you. He invites you to have a personal relationship with him if you allow him to love you. Today is your chance to thank the Lord for what you find in you, that is wonderful.
“Praise the Lord, O my soul: I will praise the Lord all my life.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his mercy endures forever.” Ps. 118:1
In the Bible, we find many passages where Jesus said, ‘thank you’ to his Father in heaven. He was full of gratitude. We noticed his ‘thank you’ when he multiplied the loaves and the fish,
“He took the seven loaves and the fish, give thanks.” Matt 15:36
When he was raising Lazarus,
“Father I thank you for hearing me, I know that you always hear me.” John 11:41
At the last Supper,
“Then he took the bread, said the blessing, broke it.” Luke 22:19 Mark 14:23 says, “Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it”.
The biggest gift is when we say ‘thank you’ to Mary, for giving us Jesus.
“Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15
We have many ways to be full of gratitude, take the examples of Jesus found in Scripture and meditate on His words.
“Always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:20
