DAILY HOMILIES #gratitude

As Christmas approaches and the year itself comes to an end, let us pause for a while to count our blessings; enough of complaints. As bad as things may be for you right now, never forget that there are many who wished to see this day but are now resting in peace. Be like Hannah. Be like Mary. Give Thanks.

Sometimes, we behave as if we know what is best for us. We assume we know better than God who allows seemingly negative circumstances happen to us instead of us to just trust that God knows exactly what He is doing. Until you come to a realization that everything happens for a reason, you will find it hard to be grateful. Truth be told, within every unhappy person is ingratitude. If you cannot be thankful, then you cannot be happy.

The prophet Isaiah says: “Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain and hill shall be made low, the uneven ground shall become level and the rough places shall be made plain.” The valleys to be lifted up represent the good things we ought to do that we have failed to do. The mountains and hills to be made low are those bad habits of ours, our sinful inclinations and evil deeds that must be removed to allow the baby Jesus to enter our lives.