Thursday 4^th December – Thursday of the 1^st week of Advent

Reflection: Psalm. 118: 1, 8-9, 19-27

GIVE THANKS!

A heart filled with thanksgiving is indeed a sincere and generous heart. Thanksgiving comes from a heart that is humble and totally dependent on God. It flows from a person who realizes how helpless he is without the help of God. The psalmist today sings a song of victory to the Lord, recognizing the many wonderful deeds of God in his life.

Beloved in Christ, let us be grateful to the Lord for his love and mercy and for the victory He gives us daily against all the powers of darkness. If only we had the opportunity to see how much harm God’s preserves us from, we would realize our absolute nothingness without His help and protection. He redeems our lives from the pit of hell and crowns us with steadfast love and mercy (Psalm 103:1-5).

As you go through the last month of the year 2014, take time to look back at the year and see various reasons to be thankful. As we thank God for all answered prayers, we will receive the courage to trust that He is working all things for our good. The more we thank God, the more He blesses us.

PRAYER: Dear Jesus, I thank you for the wonder of my being. Grant me the grace to be thankful to you at all times even when it is seemingly impossible. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2638 – As in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving. The letters of St Paul often begin and end with thanksgiving, and the Lord Jesus is always present in it. “Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you”; “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving”.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Praise the Lord, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name” Psalm 103:1 GNB

Readings for Today: Isaiah 26: 1-6; Psalm 118; 1, 8-9, 19-27; Matthew 7: 21, 24-27