When was the last time you said “thank you very much”, not just for the expensive gift that you received, but for the presence of the other person.

When we are not thankful people, we often become hostile to any person we encounter. Most acts of hate, unforgiveness, hurt and derision that we give to others stem from the fact that we are not people of gratitude. Nations exploit other nations, nations war against others because we have failed to see the other as a grift from God that ought to be honored, appreciated, acknowledged and recognized.

The same applies to Christians and individuals as they castigate one another. The world is too person for any one person to live in. The world is too large for any one community to exist – be it political, religious or cultural community. In our differences, we need each other. The need we have of each other compels us to see in the face of the other the image of God. Only then can we reach out, bless and hold one another. For we cannot embrace what we are not grateful for.

Prayer is thanksgiving!

Praises are forms of thanksgiving!

The Eucharistic is thanksgiving!