Gratitude is the foundation of the communion of souls, and also its highest reward. That's why eu-charist means thankfulness. Derived from Greek, eu - good, charistia - grace, or εὐχαριστία (eukharistia, “gratitude, giving of thanks, blessing of good grace”) and circular in movement, gratitude is its own experience…both a means and an end. Gratitude is an entry point to the awareness of blessing and the flow of grace. When shared in relationship, gratitude permeates our being and our doing, as we are perpetually grateful 1) for the opening of our heart, 2) for stepping into the flow of thanksgiving, 3) for the fruits that we enjoy in communion (in "good grace") with each other. We lift our grateful hearts in reverence and humility to the eternal spirit of providence and possibility for the experience. A circle of gratitude, a reflection of grace.
Gratitude is an opening for the expression of love in the world, as it necessitates a posture of humility. One cannot be truly grateful without also being humble. So, be thankful in all circumstances, for to be thankful is to find the blessing, to identify the Good, receive the grace, and return the gift, in gratitude. And so the circle continues. A means and an end.
“In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratitude that makes us happy.” Fr David Steindle-Rast
Holy Creator in whom we live and breathe and have our being, We give thanks for your eu-charist, your “good grace.” May it illuminate our hearts and minds, so that we recognize ourselves as instruments of your peace. May our lives be one continuous prayer, rising like incense, as we breath the fragrance of Christ into the world. Keep our hearts humble and grateful in all circumstances, allowing the gift of love to flow forth from us freely, as givers and receivers of your goodness. May our cups overflow with abundant joy in Christ Jesus, the means and the end – the beginning and the ending – the first and the last, a circle of continuous, eternal, life-giving peace. Amen
A blessed Thanksgiving to all! Peggy
This is part of a message on 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18: Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
"If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is 'thank you', it will be enough." ~ Meister Eckhart.
No comments:
Post a Comment