At every Mass, the priest proclaims, “It is right and just, always and everywhere to give God thanks.” Always and everywhere. We give thanks in times of blessing, we give thanks in times of darkness.

For all of our failures and spiritual brokenness, God specializes in turning us into useful instruments for Him. He is like the baker who makes a loaf of bread which can then feed a household. Or like a potter who shapes a jug and then fills it, so that it can quench the thirst of many. God takes you and me, sinners, and turns us into agents of His mercy and grace toward our neighbors. He cleansed us in the waters of Baptism, washing away our sins and clothing us in Christ, and He nourishes and strengthens us with the Body and Blood of Jesus in the Holy Eucharist.

God is the One who called us out of the darkness of unbelief, and who keeps us in the true faith by the Gospel. And He is also the One who motivates and empowers us to do the good that we do toward others.

These days approaching Thanksgiving, take charge of. Your celebration: lead your families in turning to God today, thank Him for His loving deeds and glorious acts, and pray for our world afflicted by so many challenges and opportunities for growth.

May we realize that the greatest gift God gives us is one that we are receiving at every moment, that is, God’s gift of Himself in the Eucharist, which in itself means “thanksgiving”, and that our greatest act of thanksgiving is to give ourselves unreservedly in return.

As we celebrate Christ the King, let us count our blessings, strive to be grateful, and give God praise for all those undeserved gifts!

Sono semipro grate,
Father Erick

(For the Solemnity of Christ the King, 2021)