Dear friends,

St. Ignatius of Loyala stated throughout his ministry that we must remember to give Our Lord thanks each time we pray.  Often, when we are depressed and feel that life has let us down, the best therapy is to recall all the wonderful blessings that we do have. 

In the readings for Oct. 13, we are reminded that Christ expected (but did not receive) gratitude from the lepers that he healed.... Only one out of ten that he healed, a Samaritan, went to Jesus to thank Him for this great miracle.  The other nine, who were Jewish, ran back to the chief priests to report their good health without a word to Our Lord.   It is so easy to think that we are entitled to be healed, blessed and given the many gifts bestowed on us.   St. Paul, despite the dangers of preaching the Gospel and just being a Christian, reminded St. Timothy to be grateful to God even in his physical suffering- because God will always be faithful to His people.

We are his people now, and we should rightly give Him thanks!  At this time of year, with the Season of Gratitude approaching, Stewardship should also be on our mind- let us offer to God our Time, Talent and Treasure.

Peace,
Father Paul