Happy Thanksgiving! Today, Jeff talks about how we can cultivate an attitude of thankfulness for everything we have, and how we can practice greater gratitude in our daily lives. Let’s start saying “thanks for everything” instead of “thanks for nothing!”
Snippet from the Show
“Connection is more important than perfection.”
Shownotes
“The secret to happiness is gratitude.” – GK Chesterton
Shownotes
Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers
On the way to Jerusalem he was passing along between Samar′ia and Galilee. And as he entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed. Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then said Jesus, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” – Luke 17:11-19
“When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” – G.K. Chesterton
“for although they knew God they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking and their senseless minds were darkened.” – Romans 1:21
“for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.” – Luke 1:49
“In all created things discern the providence and wisdom of God, and in all things give him thanks.” – St. Teresa of Avila
One of the implications of having faith in one God is “it means living in thanksgiving.” – CCC 224
9 Tips For Cultivating Thankfulness
1. Have a holy discipline, independent of feelings
“addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.” – Ephesians 5:19-20
“And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
“The best way to show my gratitude to God is to accept everything, even my problems, with joy.” – St. Teresa of Calcutta
2. Recognize the small and ordinary things
“As in the prayer of petition, every event and need can become an offering of thanksgiving.” – CCC 2638
3. Thank God in the midst of adversity
“Give thanks in all circumstances.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you,” – Philippians 1:3
4. Set aside time daily to express thanks to God
“And they shall stand every morning, thanking and praising the Lord, and likewise at evening” – 1 Chronicles 23:30
“When Daniel knew that the document had been signed, he went to his house where he had windows in his upper chamber open toward Jerusalem; and he got down upon his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he had done previously.” – Daniel 6:10
“To visit the Blessed Sacrament is…a proof of gratitude.” – CCC 1418
“No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.” – St. Ambrose
5. Thank God publicly & corporately
“It is truly right and just, our duty and salvation, always and everywhere to give you thanks, Father most holy, through your beloved Son, Jesus Christ, your Word through whom you made all things, whom you sent as our Savior and Redeemer, incarnate by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin. Fulfilling your will and gaining for you a holy people, he stretched out his hands as he endured his Passion, so as to break the bonds of death and manifest the resurrection.” – Preface to Eucharistic Prayer II
6. Try a voluntary fast from something you take for granted
7. Count your blessings
“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
8. Show gratitude & thankfulness toward others
“for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:12
“For Christians a special gratitude is due to those from whom they have received the gift of faith, the grace of Baptism, and life in the Church. These may include parents, grandparents, other members of the family, pastors, catechists, and other teachers or friends.” – CCC 2220
“Respect for parents (filial piety) derives from gratitude toward those who, by the gift of life, their love and their work, have brought their children into the world and enabled them to grow in stature, wisdom, and grace.” – CCC 2215
“The fourth commandment reminds grown children of their responsibilities toward their parents. As much as they can, they must give them material and moral support in old age and in times of illness, loneliness, or distress. Jesus recalls this duty of gratitude.” – CCC 2218
9. Combat anxiety or worry with a life of thanksgiving
“Have no anxiety about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
“At midnight I rise to praise thee, because of thy righteous ordinances.” – Psalm 119:62
“Jesus does not demand great action from us but simply surrender and gratitude.” – St. Therèse of Lisieux
“Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with Enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence.” – St. John Paul II
Resources
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- Visit Jeff’s website at www.jeffcavins.com
- Check out Fr. Mike’s new podcast: Bible in a Year
- Rejoice! Advent Meditations with the Holy Family, Journal
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Meet Your Host: Jeff Cavins
Jeff Cavins is passionate about helping people understand Scripture and become disciples of Jesus Christ. Though he was born Catholic, Jeff went to Bible school and served as a protestant minister for twelve years before reverting to the Catholic Faith. Jeff then received his MA in Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. Since then, he has become a leading Catholic evangelist and author.
Jeff created The Bible Timeline learning system, which revolutionized Catholic Bible Study for millions of Catholics. Since its introduction, Jeff has developed The Great Adventure series of Bible studies to help people better understand Sacred Scripture and its meaning for their lives.
