Malankara World

Today with Jesus

Saying Thanks

by Rev. Fr. V.V. Paulose, Toronto, Canada

Today's Bible Verse

"Praise the lord! Wild animals and livestock, small scurrying animals and birds." (Psalm 148:10)

Discussion

"For all that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes" (Dag Hammarskjold)

Human beings taken granted everything they enjoy and forgetting the word of gratitude. In word and deed we are becoming very ungrateful to the gifts of life even to say a word of thanks to God and fellow beings. Actually we are always at the grace and mercy of God for our life . We fellow living beings are interrelated for our existence, even to the smallest life on earth - a bird. So always say thanks to God in prayer for our well being. When thanksgiving becomes an integral part of our life, we will find that our attitude towards life will change. We will become more positive, gracious, loving, and humble. To love God with one’s heart means to say wholehearted Yes to life; to accept without reservation all that God has ordained for it; to have the attitude that Jesus had when he said, "Not my will, but yours be done". Like a free bird!

Saint Francis once preached to birds, "My little sisters, the birds, God has given you fountains and rivers to quench your thirst, mountains and valleys in which to take refuge, and trees in which to build your nests; so that your creator loves you much, having thus favoured you with such bounties. Beware, my little sisters, of the sin of ingratitude, and study always to give praise to God." As he said these words, all birds began to open their beaks, to stretch their necks, to spread their wings and reverently to bow their heads to the ground, endeavouring by their motions and by their songs to manifest their joy to St. Francis." And the Saint rejoiced with them. He wondered to see such a multitude of birds, and familiarity, for all which he devoutly gave thanks to the creator.

Check anything in our life that is withholding us from saying thanks to the creator - doubt, worries, burden, friends. - "Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns." (Mathew 6:26)

Prayer

Jesus, remove all the hurdles that stop us to say wholehearted praise to you. Let us all be in your spirit not in our understanding. One mind, one heart, let us praise you and glorify you for all your blessings and grace. We ask this in the name of Jesus.

Amen

Yesterday | Today with Jesus Archives | Next

Weekly Devotionals | Sermons | Essays | Articles | Bible Study | Library - Home | Baselios Church Home

-------
Malankara World
A service of St. Basil's Syriac Orthodox Church, Ohio
Copyright © 2009-2020 - ICBS Group. All Rights Reserved. Disclaimer
Website designed, built, and hosted by International Cyber Business Services, Inc., Hudson, Ohio