Gratitude: A Path Towards Joy and Love

Each day, month, and year brings us new opportunities to praise, bless, and thank God for the many blessings He pours upon us.

Among the countless benefits we have received, we can remember the gifts of our lives and our health, of our family and friends, of our talents and skills, of our education and work opportunities. We can also reflect on the gift of grace given to us through our baptism, through which we have become beloved children of God our Father; on the good thoughts and inspirations our Lord grants us so frequently; on the gift of the Eucharist, through which Jesus selflessly gives Himself to us, Body, Blood, Soul and Divinity. Absolutely every blessing we receive is an expression of God’s provident care and love towards us.

The more often we call to mind these benefits, the more conscious we become of God’s constant love towards us. In other words, the greater our awareness of His ongoing favors to us, the more aware we become of His steadfast love. Experiencing God’s love towards us fills our hearts with joy and, in turn, we are increasingly moved to deepen our love for God and others. Thus, gratitude becomes a powerful way of becoming more joyful, selfless, and loving.

As we rise each day we can give thanks to God for a new day of life and for the countless benefits He blesses us with. As we live each morning, afternoon, and evening we can regularly raise our grateful hearts to Jesus for a few moments, offering Him praise and glory. As we conclude each day, we may reflect on the blessings we have received that day and be thankful for them.

May our Blessed Mother, whose heart was ever filled with gratitude and praise for God, obtain for us the grace to live lives of greater gratitude, increased joy, and deeper love.

Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits (Ps. 103:2).