Through The Virtue of Gratitude

by Fr. John Parks  |  08/25/2024  |  Weekly Reflection

Recently in Mass the opening prayer—also called the The Collect—directed these words to God concerning the things of this world, “loving you in all things and above all things…” So, what is it? Are we to love God in all things, or above all things? The answer of course is –yes.

The things of this world are given to us by almighty God for our good (both individually and collectively as the human race) and for His glory. We are to use the things of this world in so far as they help us attain our true end— heaven, and we are to refrain from the things of this world in so far as they inhibit my attaining of my ultimate end. So, all Catholics are to practice the virtue of detachment which allows us to hold the things of this world “lightly” as we pursue what really matters, and lasts.

To put a finer point on it, the most concrete way we are able to love God “in all things and above all things” is through the virtue of gratitude. Gratitude very simply connects the gift with the Giver. As St. Augustine once pointed out with lamentation, he got lost in the things of the world, why God was within him. He was unable “to see” God not only in the things of the world but to see God through the things of the world, i.e. to see the One behind all creation who is providentially loving us through the goods of the earth. Gratitude connects the gifts of the world to our loving creator who provides them.

So, let’s practice gratitude this week. It is free and simple to do and it increases faith, joy, and peace in our lives.

May God bless you.