(Prayer offered on the Public Address system for the entire La Salle Academy educational community on Friday morning, 13 November 2015)

Let us remember that we are in the Holy Presence of a Loving God.

 

How do you say, “Thank you?”  A couple of weeks ago, Mrs. McLean offered a Halloween reflection on the importance of gratitude and saying “Thank you.”   This morning, I’d like to go a bit further and suggest that our gratitude begs a deeper response.

 

This November, as our thoughts turn toward thanksgiving, I’d like us to consider that we might best express our gratitude by demonstrating extraordinary acts of mercy.

Back to the image on our smart boards.  Last week, in a moment of quiet and prayer, I was struck by this image and Merton’s words.

 

We are called to love others.  Period.  It is not our job to stop and figure out if they are worthy of our love.  For that, my friends, is not our job.  That job belongs to God. And more importantly, if we are honest, we’ll admit that no one among us….not one… is worthy anyhow.  We are all too lazy or selfish or self centered or stingy with our love.  We all fall short.

 

So today, I ask you this.  Who in your life is difficult to love?  Might I suggest then that that is precisely who God is calling you to love. Today.  This day.

 

And in the moment when we do that, love those we find it difficult to love, we live mercy.

 

And that, my friends, is a Thank YOU worthy of our calling as human beings.

 

Let us pray:

God of every good thing.

You surround us with blessings.

But you wish that all your children might experience these gifts.

Forgive us our lack of gratitude.

Forgive us when we become self righteous

and think we are better than others.

Create in us softer, purer hearts

so that one interaction at a time, and with your grace

We can renew this world

with your love and mercy.
St John Baptist de La Salle: Pray for Us

Live Jesus in our Hearts: Forever!

Christine Estes–Religious Studies Department Chairperson