Gratitude
The parable of Jesus today (Matt 21:33-43), aimed at the Pharisees is a story of the landlord who leased out his vineyards to tenants who eventually killed his servants and even his son when he sent them out to collect his dues from them. From their greed, they failed to appreciate the goodness of the landlord; and greed can turn one into ignorance, and in the case of the tenants, into evil deeds.
I have always thought that the annual Thanksgiving dinner, started in 1621 by the pilgrim fathers to commemorate a harvest festival is a wonderful tradition for families to get together to give thanks to a merciful Providence. This remembrance continues each year on the 4th Thursday of November in America and amidst the turkey dinner and feasting, it is an occasion for every family member to be grateful for the many blessings received.
It is the same for the Chinese Reunion Feast on the eve of each Chinese New Year, where families, wherever they are, travel home to join their parents and siblings in a day of celebration, exchanging news, laughter and most of all to be thankful for family bonding and for love shared and given.
We should appreciate every little thing in life; every little act shown to us by our families, friends and neighbours. It is only when we are grateful that life gives us a new meaning, it allows us to see the good in people, and with that, a positive outlook in everything we do.
Let us remember the past with gratitude,
live the present with enthusiasm, and
look forward to the future with confidence.
- Pope John Paul II-
I have always thought that the annual Thanksgiving dinner, started in 1621 by the pilgrim fathers to commemorate a harvest festival is a wonderful tradition for families to get together to give thanks to a merciful Providence. This remembrance continues each year on the 4th Thursday of November in America and amidst the turkey dinner and feasting, it is an occasion for every family member to be grateful for the many blessings received.
It is the same for the Chinese Reunion Feast on the eve of each Chinese New Year, where families, wherever they are, travel home to join their parents and siblings in a day of celebration, exchanging news, laughter and most of all to be thankful for family bonding and for love shared and given.
We should appreciate every little thing in life; every little act shown to us by our families, friends and neighbours. It is only when we are grateful that life gives us a new meaning, it allows us to see the good in people, and with that, a positive outlook in everything we do.
Let us remember the past with gratitude,
live the present with enthusiasm, and
look forward to the future with confidence.
- Pope John Paul II-
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