"A Thanksgiving Message" Nov 19, 2021

My Dear Friends in Christ,

With this letter comes my warmest wishes for a most Blessed Thanksgiving Holiday. Thanksgiving is traditionally a time of year when we gather with family and friends in sincere gratitude for God’s abundant blessings in our lives. This year confronted all of us with so many unique challenges (from the COVID-19 pandemic to the aftermath of Hurricane Ida) that it may be difficult to recognize the blessings God has provided for us in 2021. But, as Catholics, the virtue of gratitude is woven into everything we do and everything we are because, “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him might not perish but might have eternal life” (Jn 3:16). In this and in many other ways, even during the taxing times in which we live, we are a very blessed people.

In Matthew’s Gospel, our Lord invites us to “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (6:26). Each of us matters that much to God! 

Throughout history, thanksgivings have been held at the end of harvests, in celebration of successful growing seasons. But the yield at harvest time is always unpredictable, just as life’s trials. However, our faith assures us that when challenges abound, God’s grace abounds all the more. Together, in faith and prayer, we accept whatever comes our way and express gratitude for all the blessings given to us by God. This is beautifully expressed in the Book of Psalms, which reads, “I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard my prayers.”

Interestingly, it is my experience that some of the most grateful people in this world are people who have much less than the average American because they know the source of every gift. It is God Himself. To be grateful is the beginning of a life that is lived with joy. It is that joy that we often see in the poorest of the poor. May we have the same attitude that allows us to see everything we have as a gift from God.

As we give thanks for our blessings, we must remember the One who blesses us. I encourage you to spend time with our Lord in prayer and especially at Mass to thank Him for the many blessings, seen or unseen, that you have received and also for the gift of the Eucharist. The word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving, and we have no more perfect way to thank the Father than to join ourselves to Christ’s perfect act of praise and thanksgiving.

As I reflect on this year, I remain truly grateful to see God blessing our parish through each of you. Your support of our brothers and sisters, your generosity in providing food for the hungry, for helping with the relief efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida, your generosity in giving of your time, talents, and treasure have all certainly been edifying. The dedication and creativity of our teachers and school staff have been heroic. I remain always grateful for our church and school staff for your steadfast devotion to the Church and her mission. It is my joy and privilege to be a coworker with all of you for Christ who gives us courage and hope.

On Thanksgiving Day, as we gather around the table with family and friends eating good food and telling stories, let us always remember and give thanks for the many blessings from our Lord. May you experience the nearness and love of Christ this Thanksgiving Day and always.

It is my joy to wish you a Blessed and Happy Thanksgiving.

Fr. Robert T. Cooper, Pastor
Divine Mercy Parish and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School