Gratitude Keeps Giving

Greetings on this the USA Thanksgiving Day
Readings: Sir 50:22-24; PS 145:2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10-11; 1 Cor 1:3-9; Lk 17:11-19
Notes: A necessary and unavoidable diversion today from serving the Thanksgiving Mass

Our Gospel portion today makes clear that in gratitude comes more blessings.

First reading
And now, bless the God of all,
who has done wondrous things on earth;
Who fosters people’s growth from their mother’s womb,
and fashions them according to his will!
May he grant you joy of heart
and may peace abide among you;
May his goodness toward us endure in Israel
to deliver us in our days.

Let us say: Amen.

Responsorial Psalm
I will praise your name for ever, Lord.
Generation after generation praises your works
and proclaims your might.
They speak of the splendor of your glorious majesty
and tell of your wondrous works.

Let us say: Amen.

Second reading
Brothers and sisters:
Grace to you and peace from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us say: Amen.

Alleluia Verse
In all circumstances, give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

Let us say: Amen.

Gospel Portion
Gratitude.

Depending on your circumstances it may or may not be easy to be grateful today.
Sometimes it takes reflection.
Sometimes it takes writing a gratitude list written through a flood of tears.
Sometimes the example of gratitude comes from the unlikely among us.

He was a Samaritan.

And one of them, realizing he had been healed,
returned, glorifying God in a loud voice;
and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.

In his gratitude, more blessings.

Then he said to him, “Stand up and go;
your faith has saved you.”

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry