Giving Thanks

11-18-2018Weekly ReflectionFr. James Aboyi

Dear Parishioners,

On behalf of the parish community, I would like to thank the Fall Fiesta committee and all those who helped in different ways to ensure a very successful event last weekend. Special thanks to individuals and business owners for their financial gifts and in-kind donations. What a wonderful night! The fun, the dance and the sharing of a meal together, all made it a very memorable night!

Happy Thanksgiving

"What are we thankful for this year?" This question is asked by many families on Thanksgiving Day as we gather around the dining table. Personally, this year I am thanking God in a very special way for blessing me with many new wonderful friends here at St Benedict Parish. I am always curious to find out what "Thanksgiving" means to different people. It is good to pay attention to our own expression of thanks as we count our blessings during this me of year. I often hear people say, "I am thankful for the gift of my family, good health, freedom, peace, food" etc. But the real issue is, who are we thanking on Thanksgiving Day? For instance, when we say that we are thankful for this or that, are we consciously or unconsciously thanking ourselves, the government, nature, or who/what? For us Christians, we know that all of our blessings come from God and so we always need to thank Him for everything.

For me, the best way we can show that we are truly thankful to God on Thanksgiving Day is to begin the day with a prayer of thanksgiving to God. I encourage you to invite your family members, friends and neighbors to our Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday this week at 9 am. As a parish community, what are we thanking God for in our parish this year? I would say we thank Him for the blessing of peace, unity, the spirit of sacrifice, gifts of volunteers, support, and so many other gifts. We pray that He continues to unite us in one love as "God's Great Family." Here are some suggested Bible verses we may use for reflection before the Thanksgiving meal: Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 136: 1-9, Psalm 116: 12-14, Psalm 118:1-4. Wishing you all God's abundant blessings on this Thanksgiving Day and always.

Thank you and Remain Blessed.
Fr. James