Thankful to Be Catholic

Photo: NeONBRAND, Unsplash

Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving!

During these trying and uncertain times of the Coronavirus pandemic there is still much that we can be thankful for in our lives. This holiday is day set aside to give thanks for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon us, and it should inspire us to make the effort every day to thank God, not only on Thanksgiving.

I have made it a practice beginning a couple of years ago at the end of every day to thank God for three things that I am grateful for that day. It has not always been easy to be grateful, especially at the end of a day that has brought me anything but happiness and joy. But I look at the Crucifix hanging on my bedroom wall, and I am reminded of the God who sent His only Son who came down from Heaven to die, and then rise to give me new life. There are so many things that we should be thankful for, especially the gift of eternal life. We know that when our time in this world is done it is not the end, but the beginning of eternity spent with our Heavenly Father.

Today, especially is a day that we should give thanks for our family and friends, and for all of those who are no longer with us; for the precious time we were able to have them in our lives. There is much to be thankful for even on the difficult days. We may not be able to spend Thanksgiving with our loved ones physically, but we can be thankful for the technology that enables us to virtually be with them. I am grateful that my family will be meeting on Zoom today, and although it is no substitute for an in-person family gathering, I am still appreciative that we can see one another on a day when there is still much reason to give thanks.

I am also thankful for this country and the values that we hold close to our hearts, having a roof over my head, good and healthy food, music, books, and the list can go on and on...but mostly I am incredibly blessed and grateful for the gift of my Catholic faith.

Below are simply some reasons as to why I am thankful for being Catholic.