It is Thanksgiving weekend once again, and we are encouraged to give thanks for all the blessings that we have received. As the pandemic continues, it may be difficult to feel gratitude at this moment. COVID-19 and all its variants seem to be robbing us of our peace and joy.
When the pandemic began, we were told that this was going to be a marathon rather than a sprint. Little did we know how long that ‘marathon’ would actually be. The most frustrating thing is that the finish line seems to keep changing. Imagine a race where you are running along and as you approach the end, you are told, “five more kilometres.” You finish that distance, drawing upon all your strength, and then you are told, “another 10 more kilometres.” No wonder why people are tired, frustrated and tempted to drop out of the race.
As people of faith, we cannot give up simply because we are discouraged. What are we to do?
In times of difficulty we must look to Jesus rather than focusing on the problems. When we do this, it becomes easier to give thanks.
Jesus said, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and the intelligent and have revealed them to infants; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will (Matthew 11:25).
In this passage, Jesus notes that the Father has revealed certain things to children rather than to the wise and intelligent. Why would Jesus be grateful?
Jesus understood that children can be more receptive to the things of God because of their simplicity. Children are grateful for what we consider ordinary. This is especially true regarding the family. They are grateful that their parents love them, care for them and protect them. Most children are happy because they have a home, have friends to play with and are able to learn new things.
In another part of the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3).
Not only has the Father revealed things to children, one of the greatest revelations is that we are called to be more childlike rather than childish.
For children, life is not complicated. Very often they are able to accept the things that they may not even understand. This is why Jesus uses a child as an example of what it means to have faith.
From an adult perspective, faith requires humility. We have to admit that we will trust God even though we do not fully understand why unpleasant things happen to us. Like a child, we need to believe that we are loved, cared for and protected by our God. We are not afraid because we know that we are never alone.
I would like to suggest a simple prayer that we could offer when we begin to find it difficult to give thanks.
Dear Lord, help me to have a simple and childlike faith in You and, through this faith, come to know the beautiful mysteries You desire to reveal to me. Give me wisdom and knowledge, dear Lord, so that I may always have a grateful heart. Jesus, I trust in You.
Talking to God in prayer should be our greatest source of comfort and hope, especially during these difficult times.
As we continue our COVID ‘marathon’ this Thanksgiving weekend, we can take comfort in the words of St. Paul, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith: (2 Timothy 4:7).