By Fr. Mike Schmitz, Ascension Presents, Published on Nov 21, 2018
Giving thanks is not only good and polite. It’s not just a thoughtful gesture. Fr. Mike says, and the words we say in Mass seem to agree, giving thanks is necessary for our salvation—especially when it comes to giving thanks to God. We begin Mass by saying “It is right and just” to give God thanks. Not only that, the priest continues by saying: “It is our duty and salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks.” The word Eucharist means to give thanks—so it makes sense for Mass to start with this theme—but do we give proper thanks to God for the miraculous gifts he has given us to enjoy every day? Our health, sight, hearing, even simply having someone who cares about you, all of these things are just some blessings we should thank God for because there are many who do not enjoy them. This Thanksgiving, let’s try to take this spirit of gratitude beyond this necessary holiday.
Check out Fr. Mike’s newest project Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike (https://bit.ly/2PmpYzw), a feature-packed teacher’s guide designed to accompany Fr. Mike’s most popular videos, presented on a convenient DVD. Teachers, catechists, and youth ministers can supplement USCCB curriculum, prompt small-group discussion, and answer students’ questions easily and powerfully with this teacher’s guide and DVD. Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension: Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (https://bit.ly/2vQgGRx) Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (https://bit.ly/2nCKKLK) Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (https://bit.ly/2vG9KX2) YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (https://bit.ly/2raspVB) Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension: Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (http://bit.ly/2sKUnJN) Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (http://bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
Our Lady of La Salette (tears). Public domain - This work is in the public domain in its country of origin and other countries and areas where the copyright term is the author's life plus 100 years or fewer.
As the social ministry arm of the Diocese of Superior, Catholic Charities provides loving support to people with disabilities, the elderly, and those in poverty, among others. (photo: Becket)
