DAILY HOMILIES #thanks

The benefits of giving thanks are uncountable. People may say: “Don’t mention,” or “Stop thanking me”, and so on, but the truth is that, deep within them, they feel super-excited that someone is showing appreciation. It is a basic human need to be appreciated by others.

Today, the Church tells us, “Be Happy and Rejoice.” As always, specific questions come to our minds when we hear the phrase: “Be Happy!” What does it even mean? Is it possible to be happy all the time? What is the magic formula to finding lasting happiness, irrespective of all that may happen today? We shall now consider how our readings at today’s mass respond to these questions.

God is not pleased with the Proud. God does not recognize those who believe that they are self-made; those who live as if God is not necessary; those who never go down on their knees to pray; those who consider going to church as a waste of time; those who depend on themselves or on other people rather than God. One quality of proud people is that they consider Thanksgiving a waste of time or money.

When we start complaining, we soon fall into the temptation of speaking against God like these Israelites. The inability to count our blessings and believe God is leading us somewhere makes us talk about our situation as if God is some irresponsible father who doesn’t care. This was the attitude that merited the appearance of fiery serpents in the Israelite camp.

By giving thanks, Jesus made seven loaves and a few small fish multiply to feed four thousand. Thanksgiving multiplies things. Eckhart Tolle once said: “If the only prayer you ever said is ‘Thank You, it will be enough.”