Thanksgiving 2020
Dear Parish Family,
Happy Thanksgiving! "Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever" (Psalm 136:1).
Today is the day we set aside to express thanks for all that is in our lives. Even when things aren’t going so well, there’s so much to be thankful for. Yes, there is so much bad news arriving daily from around the world and right here in our home; there is this Covid-19 pandemic that have destabilize our lives, but even in the midst of all this bad news, we can give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. Let us pray for our country, pray for our church and civil leaders, pray for peace in the streets, pray for the doctors, nurses, hospital aids, pray for the workers in grocery stores, delivery personnel and those who serve and protect us both at home and abroad, pray for our families and friends; but in our prayers, let us not neglect to give thanks to the God from whom all blessings flow.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:6-7).
We have so much to be thankful for. This world may be scary at times, but God has promised to never leave us nor forsake us. He said, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go" (Joshua 1:9). After all, he is our King as we have just celebrated last Sunday. In a recent general audience our Holy Father emphasized the virtue of hope, “in the face of the pandemic and its social consequences, many risk losing hope. In this time of uncertainty and anguish, I invite everyone to welcome the gift of hope that comes from Christ. It is he who helps us navigate the tumultuous waters of sickness, death and injustice, which do not have the last word over our final destination.”
This Thanksgiving, I am thankful to God for each of you! It is a joy and a privilege to be your pastor, and most especially to be your brother in Christ and serve alongside of you in the name of Christ. Together, may our service to the Lord "overflow in many thanksgivings to God" (2 Corinthians 9:12)!
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Stay safe always and God bless you and your family. Respectfully yours in Christ,
Fr. Andy Gonzalo
