The following reflection on thankfulness originally appeared on Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Facebook page. Follow the Bishop for daily reflections and weekly videos!
As I was driving back from the Diaconate Convocation held at the Immaculate Conception Center in Douglaston, I was struck with a deep sense of gratitude to the Lord. It was a profound feeling of thanks that at first surprised me because it was so spontaneous. It was a spirit of thankfulness not simply for the opportunity to reconnect with many friends, but for the great gift of my priestly ministry and how it has blessed my life.
While I know that I have many faults and failings, nonetheless the Lord called me to share in His ministerial priesthood. It is a gift that no priest or bishop deserves or can earn on his own. Yet, through the many occasions for ministry that I have experienced over the years and continues each day, I have been invited into the lives of many wonderful women and men of faith, courage and strength. They have taught me the true meaning of service, the joy of friendship, the power of the Gospel and the gift of consolation in times of challenge and struggle.
Many times I take for granted the blessings of my life. Last night helped remind me that gratitude should be my response to everything I experience and everyone I meet each day. For there is so much to be thankful for, and I should not have to wait for any special occasion to say “thank you”.