Today's Scripture , Daniel 7:13-14; Revelation 1: 5-8; John 18: 33-37, can be read at www.usccb.org/nab
True Greatness and Gratitude
As this Church Year comes to an end, we come together to celebrate an almost awe-inspiring, yet quite contradictory, vision in today’s feast of Christ the King. This "crowning" of the church year gives us incentive to consider our relationship with Jesus, the ways we think about him, and the ways that Jesus viewed himself.
Since we celebrate Thanksgiving this week, we might also consider our Scripture in the light of gratitude and thankfulness.
Although we may at times forget about Jesus’ divinity and power (Daniel, Revelation), God’s Word forcefully reminds us of Jesus' divine, eternal dimension. We can almost hear the trumpets sounding triumphantly as background for this King!
Yet, to our surprise and possible dismay, we also see how Jesus uses power, kingship and authority (John).
Jesus shows us that true power resides with accepting the truth that God is present in our lives and letting that presence make a difference in the way that we live.
God's Word challenges us to consider the ways that we view Jesus, and then to consider the ways that we try to live the Good News of Jesus in our world.
In our "Week of Thanks", we too can be more aware of our own "Gratitude Attitude" as we go through our daily lives. Sometimes we may be so intent on a great happening that we miss the many small blessings that can make a great difference in our lives.
To think about:
Whom or what do I worship by the way that I spend my time, talents and treasure?
Which image of Jesus do I prefer: the gloriously triumphant King or the servant King?
As I follow this King, do I seek glory or do I seek to serve?
Who are my children’s heroes; what is the message these heroes “preach” by their lives?
How many times a day do I thank God and thank others for the many everyday gifts?
How do I show thankfulness and gratitude in my life?
To do: Decide on ways to give gifts of service to others.
Select one or two ways to develop appreciation and thankfulness in your daily life by being more aware of the many gifts you already possess.
Challenge yourself and your family to develop a "Gratitude" or "Thanks" list each day this week. Notice the small everyday blessings!
Decide on limits for personal spending so that you can gift others who have less.
Serve others by brightening another’s life in some way by helping joyfully and gratefully as you respond to some need.
To pray: Let yourself sing "How great Thou art" a few times each day.
Next week: First Sunday of Advent: Jeremiah 33: 14-16; 1Thessalonians 3: 12-4:2; Luke 21: 25-36
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