Our First Act of Thanksgiving Must Be to God!

I hope the first thing you do today is go to Mass. Eucharist means "thanksgiving." What better way to celebrate Thanksgiving Day than to offer thanksgiving to God for His many blessings through the Sacrament of the altar He left us.  And to help you reflect on that I offer some thoughts from the saints. May Jesus Christ be praised!

"Would that I could exhaust myself in acts of thanksgiving and gratitude towards this Divine Heart, for the great favor He shows us, in deigning to accept our help to make Him known, loved and honored; He reserves infinite blessings for all those who devote themselves to this work."   --    St. Margaret Mary Alacoque

"The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what he is sending us every day in his goodness."    --    St. Gianna Beretta Molla

"In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give Him thanks. "    --     St. Teresa of Avila

No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.   --   St. Ambrose

In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God.  --  St. Paul

“Out of gratitude and love for Him, we should desire to be reckoned fools.                                                    -- St. Ignatius of Loyola

“O my God, let me remember with gratitude and confess to thee thy mercies toward me.”    --     St. Augustine of Hippo

“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.”      --   St. John Paul II

“Gratitude is the first sign of a thinking, rational creature.”    Bl. Solanus Casey

“The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” - St. Theresa of Calcutta

“Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude.” - St. John Chrysostom

“Get used to lifting your heart to God,in acts of thanksgiving, many times a day.
Because he gives you this and that.
Because you have been despised.
Because you haven’t what you need or because you have.
Thank him for everything, because everything is good.”
                                     --St. Josemaria Escriva

And one more from a man I hope will one day be declared a saint.

“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.”  --  G.K. Chesterton

Traditional Grace after Meals:

We give you thanks, Almighty God, for all your benefits, who lives and reigns forever. And may the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.

Happy Thanksgiving!