"Gratitude Makes Us Joyful" June 30, 2023

One of the best spiritual books I have ever read is by Benedictine Brother David Stendhal Rast entitled: "Gratefulness, the Heart of Prayer". 

I think of the words of that title as I prepare to leave Divine Mercy Parish after four truly blessed years and enter a new chapter of life. I must say the last few weeks have been an emotional roller coaster for me: fear, apprehension, excitement, exhaustion, being overwhelmed by love and affirmation. At times I have felt totally exhausted. However, as often appears in the Scriptures, there is the word BUT. In the midst of these feelings, the one thing that has remained constant is the feeling and awareness of deep gratitude in my prayer. 

I am overwhelmed with an experience of gratitude as I recall the 16 years I have spent in parish ministry and the joy of the last 4 years as Pastor of Divine Mercy Parish. Ministering together with the dedicated and joyful clergy and staff of our parish has been a source of joy, fulfillment, and great moments of laughter. The children and youth of Divine Mercy Parish and SEAS fill me with great hope and encouragement for the future as I see them respond in faith and generosity in so many ways.
 
In spite of the struggle of leaving, I am so very thankful for the relationships I have formed in this community and the many ways the people of this parish have helped me to grow in my relationship with God. 

My heart is truly filled with joy. I quote Stendhal-Rast: "The root of joy is gratefulness. It is not joy that makes us grateful: it is gratitude which makes us joyful." 
In thanksgiving for: 
•    The dedication, support, and laughter of the Clergy and Pastoral Staff.
•    The uplifting and prayerful music of all involved in the Music Ministry. 
•    The commitment and enthusiasm of the many involved in the various ministries of our parish. 
•    The hope and energy of the young people of the parish. 
•    The gift of so many children and their smiling faces and openness. 
•    The wisdom and example of our Seniors. 
•    The faith and dedication of the people of all the parishes in which I have served. 

I would like to close with one of my favorite Scripture passages from St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians (1:3-6, 9-11): 

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

 
And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
 
Fr. Robert T. Cooper, Pastor
Divine Mercy Parish and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School