Thank You During Covid

(November 1 2020)


Thank You During Covid

(Covid Reflection #8)


Be joyful always, pray continuously, give thanks in all circumstances,
for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18


“Thank you” It seems easy to say the words, but we know it is not always so… But it is important! We teach it to the children, but then we forget it ourselves! Gratitude is an important quality! We need to say thanks to each other for everything. It’s not a kind word to use just with strangers, to show you are educated. It is necessary to know how to say thank you, in order to get along well with others.
Pope Francis – Feb 2014

Hello, God. It’s me, Denise, here.

I’m sure you are very aware that there’s a pandemic going on in our world. I know you want only good for all of humankind so I’m not blaming you for the tragedies that we see and hear and read about daily. I really believe that if we just took better care of our world and each other, this corona virus might not have happened, or at least the devastation that has ensued would have been less. We could have made people safer, provided better medical care for every person regardless of who that person is or where he/she lives or how much money or power she/he has. All that is on us, God, not you.

I know you love each and every one of us. And I love you too, so I am trying to do as you have asked. But some days are harder than others. I turn to my faith, to sacred scripture, to the example of the holy women and men who came before me and to our Holy Father, Pope Francis. He comes across as a truly good, kind man; thank you for him.

That was an easy thank you. Today’s world doesn’t lend itself to someone like me being able to say thank you easily. Preoccupation with bad news, isolation, the prospect of a long, dark winter without being able to have contact with loved ones the way we have been used to…. These and more, make me wonder just what I am supposed to be thankful for.

Maybe I should spend more time away from bad news, in prayer and meditation. I could make lists of just what my blessings are. (I like lists!)
  • A husband who loves me and would move a mountain for me if I asked him.
  • Children and grandchildren who love and care and make me laugh
  • My fellow Vincentians whose examples lift my spirit from dark places
  • All those I have been privileged to serve and the twenty + years you have given me as a Vincentian vocation
  • Good health and escape (so far) from Covid 19
  • A safe and comfortable life with those I love
For all these things and so much more I am truly thankful. Help me, God, to be joyful. Help me to form the words to say ‘thank you’ to everyone who has made my life so good. I give you all my thanks, especially during these days of Covid 19.

Amen

Spirituality Corner

Monthly Reflections
by Deacon John Girolami,
Spiritual Advisor, ONRC