Grateful

I am just back from Cameroon.

It is true, I did time my visit and return to be sure to be home for Thanksgiving – a bit selfish to be sure – it is my favorite holiday.   Not because of the food, even though that is really great, and I love being with my family and will take any reason to do so – so yes that is part of why I love this so much.

It is also because I love the fact that we come together to celebrate what I believe is the most important quality we can strive to embody, gratitude. 

With an old friend, Sr. Xaveria

At Mass last week the Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda Archdioces, Bishop Agapitus’ homily stressed exactly that.  I met our Mission Doctors who are filled with gratitude, I met their patients who light up as our doctor makes rounds, thanking them each time they move to the next bed. I visited with Bishops, priests and religious brothers and sisters who continue to express their thanks for the presence of our missionaries in the country since the 1960’s! 

I am almost unable to contain how grateful I feel to have the opportunity to visit with these amazing individuals, witness their faith, their joy and their sense of thankfulness.
May the gratitude that can fill our hearts pour out in ways that multiply the grace we have received.  Wishing everyone a very blessed Thanksgiving.
“...it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” 
Brother David Steindl-Rast,  O.S.B. 
Catholic Theologian