Embracing an attitude of gratitude this Thanksgiving

Obviously, Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to count our blessings. Yet, as Christians striving to live a life of stewardship, we are called to give thanks for our many blessings in all that we do throughout the year. 
Saying our blessing before meals and give thanks at Mass is great, but let’s not forget about our family, our priests, the roof over our head or the many gifts and talents. Each one of these is a generous gift from God. Life is so busy, remember to take time to thank God for all the blessings in our life and to thank our friends and families for the blessing they are in our life. 
As faithful stewards we are called to make an effort each and every day to realize God’s gifts, cultivate them, and share them generously. The Bible is filled with scripture teaching us the importance of gratitude. St. Paul was passionate about giving thanks to our Lord. He reminds us in almost every letter he wrote that we are called to be thankful to God in all that we do.  Here are a few more examples: 
“Give thanks to God, bless his name.” - Psalm 100:4
“…Give thanks to the LORD Almighty…” - Jeremiah 33:11
“In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.”-Thessalonians 5:18
Have you ever thought of how many times we give thanks during Mass? From the Gloria to our responses after the reading we are giving thanks to God. During the Eucharistic prayer we respond “It is right and just” to give thanks to the Lord our God. We are also reminded that Jesus gave thanks before breaking the bread at the last supper. The pinnacle of the Mass is the Eucharist and the meaning of Eucharist is thanksgiving. Then the Mass is ended with a final sending of “Go in peace” where we the faithful reply “Thanks be to God.” The Mass is a beautiful way to give thanks to God. 
It is right and just to give the Lord thanks. God has blessed each of us in so many ways, let’s remember to embrace an attitude of gratitude in all that we do this Thanksgiving and every day.   
For a reflection on Thanksgiving, check out: 1 Corinthians 1:4, 2 Corinthians 9:11, Ephesians 5:20, Philippians 4:6, Colossians 1:3, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 and 1 Chronicles 16:34.
­­— Shannon Roh is the Executive Director of the Office of Development and Stewardship for the Archdiocese of Mobile.