Thankful? You Bet!

Today is Brandon's 9th birthday, and tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. We are in Central Louisiana, visiting with Kendra's mom. It will be the first time we have celebrated any holiday with her, and although Brandon was born in Louisiana, it is the first time we have celebrated his birthday in our native state.

I am very thankful for the life I have; for the family and friends that I share it with. I am thankful for God's hand in my life, for His Mercy and compassion, for His unwavering faithfulness, for His willingness to put up with me and the patience He gives the aforementioned family and friends for them to put up with me as well, and for being willing to use me on occasion in spite of my limitations and shortcomings.

In 10 days our current church parish will have also have a celebration; a grand one at that. We will celebrate the Rite of Dedication for our new church building. For years, even before we arrived in 2005, our parish has been preparing for this day. I am thankful for the parishioners who have dedicated countless hours to planning, organizing, informing, contributing, praying, etc. throughout this effort.

I am thankful that my children and all other children in our parish will finally experience the joy of worshiping God in such a place. I am thankful for the opportunity our parish has to renew the dedication of our own hearts and the catechetical opportunity before us as well. I am thankful for the priests who have constantly and consistently reminded us that this building of the Church in our hearts is the most important.

I am thankful to belong to the Universal Church, to be nourished by her Sacraments, and for the Groom Who has given His life for her; for me.

The Biggest Sale Ever and FREE

Today is "Black Friday" and thousands of people are out shopping for great deals and big sales. Some lined up hours in advance to ensure they would be able to score things they found in ads that have been out for a week or more.

Meanwhile, many will overlook the biggest and best sale ever. Although the ads have been out for a much longer time, and although the great deal is a necessity not just a want, and even though it is absolutely free to people since the price has already been paid in full by someone else, many will choose not to take advantage of the offer.

Of course I am talking about the great deal God has offered to us, salvation. Jesus has paid for this bargain for all of us. But sadly, many believe that the ad is misleading. They misunderstand the meaning of "free" and so reject the offer all together or they make this "store" the last on their list of priorities, and ultimately just do a little "window shopping".

Well, maybe this year will be different. Maybe the people will line up at their churches hours in advance. Maybe they will respond to this great free gift of God with true Thanksgiving.

Maybe they will use this Advent season which starts December 2nd to prepare for Christ's Mass, the celebration of God, humbling Himself and becoming man in order to purchase this bargain for us.

Maybe.