Memorial of Saint Boniface, Bishop and Martyr
Gratitude is vital part of a joyful and holy Christian life. When we take opportunities to reflect on our blessings and recognize them as gifts, we come to realize that we are loved. Today’s reading from Tobit reminds us that it is important not just to be thankful for God’s many blessings, but to praise God through our words and deeds. It is through our lives of service and giving that we proclaim God’s goodness to others and share in building God’s kingdom
In the first reading from Tobit, the angel Raphael is sharing with Tobit and Tobiah about the importance of being grateful. He reminds the men that “the works of God are to be declared and made known.” Raphael reminds them that it is vital for people to stop and recognize “the many good things that God has done” in their lives. He goes on further to encourage Tobit and Tobias to share the news of these blessings to others, so others may know the goodness of God.
Raphael continues to counsel Tobit and Tobias encouraging them to live lives of generous love and righteousness. Those who practice almsgiving and doing good deeds give praise to God through their works. The widow in today’s gospel reading illustrates this generosity when she gives to God from her livelihood. It is this trust in God’s protection and deliverance that allows others to see God’s benevolent love. God sees the goodness of these generous people. Raphael tells Tobit that God witnessed his kindness when he rose to bury the dead, and Jesus recognizes the generosity of the widow. It is through these acts of selfless giving that Tobit and the widow proclaim God’s praises to others.
Taking on an attitude of gratitude can be a significant way for us to deepen our relationship with God. Through our openness to witness God’s blessings in our daily lives, we can begin to realize the depths of God’s love for us. To become aware of God’s blessings requires a mindset where we are constantly seeking to find the Hand of God in the details of our lives. A beautiful flower, a conversation with a friend, a walk in the woods can all be avenues for God’s expression of love for us. The challenge for us is to increase our awareness, so we do not miss the many ways that God is revealing this love.
Once we recognize God’s goodness, then we can respond with grateful hearts and praise God for all the works that we have witnessed. Just as Raphael reminded the men, we are called to “proclaim these good works of God” in our words and our deeds. When we give generously of our time and talent to serve others, we proclaim that God has blessed us and calls us to bless others. We are reminded that God sees our works and hears our prayers, and it is through these small acts of faith that we return to God the love that is shared with us.
As I reflect on our call to gratitude and praise, I find the most difficult aspect is taking the time and effort to recognize God in our daily living. With schedules that are brimming with appointments and commitments, our lives often race by without any opportunity to witness God’s presence. Perhaps by starting each day with a small prayer we can ask for God’s grace to help us be aware of God’s blessings in the details of the day ahead. With an increased awareness, we can then begin to recognize God’s love and in turn grow in our thankfulness for all that God gives us. This is where our joy is found. As St. Gianna Beretta Molla said, “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness.” We may never achieve a complete awareness of God in our lives, but through practice and prayer we will see the Hand of God all around us. Then we can joyfully “honor and praise God’s deeds” and give God thanks and praise.
Loving God, You share Your deep love with us through all of creation. Jesus is the greatest gift of love that You gave to us. With the grace of Your Spirit, open our eyes, ears, minds and hearts to Your presence in our lives. May we recognize your wonderful deeds and give you thanks and praise. We pray in Christ’s name. Amen.
Marylynn Herchline