November 16, 2022 Reflection – Let your everyday be filled with gratitude to God
Let your everyday be filled with gratitude to God November 16, 2022 Dear Family of Mary! I don’t know about you, but over the past few years I have had to struggle with anxiety and worry. I take it to prayer and stay close to the Rosary and Holy Mass, which helps so very much! But still there are moments when I am attacked with worry and even some resentment at the world that is so out of order. Well, I took that worry, anxiety and resentment to confession last week, and the wonderful priest who heard my confession gave me some long-needed advice. His penance for me was to turn my thoughts towards gratitude. He said gratitude is the antidote to resentment and many other negative responses to life. I tried it immediately, and realized he was right! When a negative and resentful worry-some situation appeared in my mind, I began to thank God for everything in that situation, giving Him praise and glory for those involved, and for all the good I had received even in the difficulty. And immediately, I felt a warmth flood into my heart and mind, and a joy invade my soul. I was not a hapless victim in that situation, but a person who could bring good to it, because God is in charge. And I could love the other people involved, with the love of that same God! Well, I have been simply applying gratitude to all of my daily challenges since then, and I feel like a new person. Our Lady has spoken to us about gratitude and how important it is for our lives. Here are two messages: October 25, 2002 “Dear children! Also today I call you to prayer. Little children, believe that by simple prayer miracles can be worked. Through your prayer you open your heart to God and He works miracles in your life. By looking at the fruits, your heart fills with joy and gratitude to God for everything He does in your life and, through you, also to others. Pray and believe little children, God gives you graces and you do not see them. Pray and you will see them. May your day be filled with prayer and thanksgiving for everything that God gives you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” The simple prayer we pray to God can open up a flood of gratitude as we see the miracles He is doing in our lives. The more time we spend with the Lord, the more we know what He is doing, and we can see His blessing on our lives. This brings more gratitude and joy! Gratitude must be one of the deepest emotions we will have in Heaven. We will be grateful to God for all eternity!!! Our Lady tells us in this next message that we should fill every day with the prayer of gratitude to God: April 25, 1991 “Dear children! Today I invite you all so that your prayer be prayer with the heart. Let each of you find time for prayer so that in prayer you discover God. I do not desire you to talk about prayer, but to pray. Let your everyday be filled with prayer of gratitude to God for life and for all that you have. I do not desire your life to pass by in words but that you glorify God with deeds. I am with you and I am grateful to God for every moment spent with you. Thank you for having responded to my call.” The prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude will fill us we joy, peace, truth, hope, faith and love. Once we know the incredible love that God is pouring out on us, we can never again be tempted to ingratitude. We know better! God loves us, with a love so powerful that it will never end, ever! Thanks be to God! Thanks be to our wonderful God!! In Jesus, Mary and Joseph! Cathy Nolan (c) Mary TV 2022