November 2018
Reflections of God's Goodness
Despite disturbing headlines, meanness on social media, or violence that continues to show its ugly face in our country and around the world, we pause and remember the good.
“Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind,
For he satisfies the thirsty and fills the hungry with good things.”
November is a month for remembering and being grateful!
Our traditions of All Souls and All Saints Days help us remember that many have gone before us, and they continue to thank God for His wonderful deeds.
November is also about giving thanks, and American tradition is replete with many beautiful symbols of harvest and plenty. How delighted God must be by our observance of Thanksgiving! So many hearts and voices at once expressing the gratitude He deserves every minute of our lives!
We give thanks for the gift of life and breath, sight and sound, taste and touch. We are grateful for God’s love, shown to us around our tables in friends and families. We remember the freedoms we enjoy and appreciate both the simplest blessings and the abundance so many of us have.
The celebration of Thanksgiving gives our faith a little push, reminding us once again that we are recipients, beneficiaries, people dependent on and blessed by God in every way. Even in our darkest hour, God is present with us in our struggles and our sadness, drawing us to Himself with love and compassion. This is good news indeed. We are not alone.
“And behold I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20
This knowledge is the cause for our hope. Mary, Mother of God, show us how to respond to God’s favor, to His grace and mercy, blessing and kindness, by pointing to God’s goodness! This month, let Mary’s Magnificat help you practice praising and thanking God for His goodness to you.
“My soul magnifies the Lord. . . . for he that is mighty has done great things and holy is his name.” Luke 1:46, 49
Happy Thanksgiving!
Sister Mary Ann Barnhorn, SNDdeN
