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by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada
"Praise the lord! Wild animals and livestock, small scurrying animals and birds." (Psalm 148:10)
"For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall
be, Yes" (Dag Hammarskjold)
Human beings taken granted everything they enjoy and forgetting the word of
gratitude. In word and deed we are becoming very ungrateful to the gifts of life
even to say a word of thanks to God and fellow beings. Actually we are always at
the grace and mercy of God for our life . We fellow living beings are
interrelated for our existence, even to the smallest life on earth - a bird. So
always say thanks to God in prayer for our well being. When thanksgiving becomes
an integral part of our life, we will find that our attitude towards life will
change. We will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. To love God
with one’s heart means to say wholehearted Yes to life; to accept without
reservation all that God has ordained for it; to have the attitude that Jesus
had when he said, "Not my will, but yours be done". Like a free bird!
Saint Francis once preached to birds, "My little sisters, the birds, God has
given you fountains and rivers to quench your thirst, mountains and valleys in
which to take refuge, and trees in which to build your nests; so that your
creator loves you much, having thus favoured you with such bounties. Beware, my
little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praise to
God." As he said these words, all birds began to open their beaks, to stretch
their necks, to spread their wings and reverently to bow their heads to the
ground, endeavouring by their motions and by their songs to manifest their joy
to St. Francis." And the Saint rejoiced with them. He wondered to see such a
multitude of birds, and familiarity, for all which he devoutly gave thanks to
the creator.
Check anything in our life that is withholding us from saying thanks to the
creator - doubt, worries, burden, friends. - "Look at the birds. They don’t
plant or harvest or store food in barns." (Mathew 6:26)
Jesus, remove all the hurdles that stop us to say
wholehearted praise to you. Let us all be in your spirit not in our
understanding. One mind, one heart, let us praise you and glorify you for all
your blessings and grace. We ask this in the name of Jesus.
Amen
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