Gratitude for God’s blessings is a holy discipline

Thanksgiving is coming up, and the world has experienced 18 months of great challenges. What is your message to those who may be suffering from the pandemic or recovering from another natural disaster?

These indeed have been difficult times, but God is faithful and does not abandon us. Many people may not realize that the word “Eucharist” means thanksgiving, and ultimately for Catholics, the body and blood of Christ sustain us in times of challenge and suffering. We are still in the Year of the Eucharist, and as we approach the feast of Thanksgiving, we are especially mindful that the Eucharist is our prayer of thanksgiving for God’s abundant love in giving to us the body and blood of his Son, the Lord Jesus. One of the best ways to celebrate Thanksgiving Day or the eve of Thanksgiving is to attend Mass and give God thanks for the blessings we have received.

You’ve spoken over these many months with people who are hurting. How has that gone?

Over the last year and a half, we’ve had many, many storms. Some have been literal storms – such as Hurricane Ida. Other storms have been the pandemic and our own personal challenges of trying to navigate the hardships of life – such as loneliness, sickness, isolation, unemployment and family tensions. In the midst of those challenges, we have offered to God our prayers of petition, asking God for what we need. Even in the midst of our needs, we thank God for his unconditional love and for the way in which he shows us his mercy. Thanksgiving is also an opportunity to not only express thanks to God but also to others whom God has placed in our lives to make a difference in our lives and to make his love more concrete. It would be a great practice as we approach the feast of Thanksgiving to communicate our words and sentiments of thanks to specific people. We often thank people for what they do, but it would be nice just to thank someone for who they are and for their love and care in our lives. We also think of those who are lonely or grieving or still struggling in many ways. We have to go beyond our own lives to embrace others and to raise them to the Lord. Unfortunately, there are some on Thanksgiving Day who may feel they have nothing to be thankful for and are not able to see some of God’s gifts. So let us include them in our Thanksgiving Day Mass.

Do you get the sense that people are hopeful that the recent downward spiral in COVID cases is a ray of light?

It is always great news when we can get back to more regular activities such as family time. We have been through so much as a people of God. I give thanks to God for all the health care workers, teachers, parents and first responders who have sacrificed themselves in so many ways to keep our families safe. Their heroic witness needs to be constantly lifted up to God in gratitude. 

St. Ignatius of Loyola had a lot to say about the “discipline of gratitude.” What does that mean to you?

Many may remember that St. Ignatius’ life changed because of his brush with death – he was severely injured by a cannonball in a battle. God used his recuperation to create time for him to reflect on his previous life of vanity and prestige. Ignatius’ response to his amazement over being so blessed by God is the “Suspice,” his most famous prayer. It is simple and has much to teach us: “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all that I have and possess. You have given all to me. To You, O Lord, I return it. All is Yours, dispose of it wholly according to Your will. Give me Your love and Your grace, for this is enough for me.” Gratitude forms us for holiness.

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].