Shout to God with Cries of Gladness

This week’s Psalm 47 for the Ascension of Jesus really is filled with joy. As I sit here early in the morning with my coffee, I realize how much God has truly blessed me. I have so much to be thankful for.

Of course I’m thankful for the gift of my wife, children, and grandchildren. Hopefully, I have been a good caretaker for them for God the Father.

I’m also grateful for my health. Yes, there was a scare on Easter weekend, but I am grateful for the care I am receiving. I also want to thank all of you for your prayers. They do work because I’m still with you and things could have turned out a lot worse. This also proved to my children that their dad does have a heart!

I am thankful to God for our pastor, Father Josuva. Fr. Josuva allows us to see ourselves from a different perspective. He cares so deeply for our parishes. He truly wants us to grow in faith and holiness.

I am also so grateful to our parishioners. The donations to the Good Samaritan Fund at St. Gregory exceeded expectations. This fund will be a way for us to meet the needs of parishioners and to hopefully one day spread the Gospel, into our greater Mission Field. If you find yourself in need, please don’t be afraid to call the St Gegory Parish office for details, and it is confidential.

I am grateful for all the volunteers in our parishes. To all of you who serve on councils, lector, serve at Mass, teach, lead study groups, plan and help with fundraisers, fix things, and serve in so many other ways, your help is what keeps our parishes healthy and alive. We have a great parish staff who do so much to keep the wheels turning, and they serve with the heart of Christ.

I am grateful to the Holy Spirit who has given us a sudden surge in people returning to the Catholic Church. All of us should be inspired by their desire to revitalize their relationship with Christ.

I am grateful for the ability to be an agent for Christ and to be able to administer His Sacraments in His person through the power of the Holy Spirit. There is nothing more exciting for me than baptizing a child, especially if that child is your grandchild, or to be the officiant at the Sacrament of Matrimony.

In this day and age, it is so easy to get taken down into the rabbit hole of negativity. These are some of the things I am grateful for. What is it you are grateful for today? What fills you with joy? Look at the positive things going on all around and, “Clap your hands and shout joy to God with cries of gladness.” Let sing a joyful hymn of praise to God.