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Attitude of Gratitude

This is a summary of a Fr. Gerry Creedon homily delivered at St. Charles on October 10, 2004

"And one of them, realizing he had been healed, returned, glorifying and praising God in a loud voice."

I HAVE A BROTHER who was diagnosed a few years ago with a serious cancer. He is just a year older than me...too close for comfort! He received aggressive treatment that included the removal and cleansing of his bone marrow. I wondered what his chances were. He has fully recovered and continues his practice as a family doctor, but with an entirely new attitude. He is the first to notice the changing light at sunset, and the wildflowers in the hedgerows. He appreciates each day as a gift. Why does our life have to almost slip from us before we celebrate its wonder?

Perhaps the leper in today's gospel had the same experience when his skin was cleansed.
This weekend the parish receives its stewardship report. It would be easy to advert to our aging roofs and boilers and to focus on our future challenges for ministry and facilities. Instead I want to review the past and stop still to appreciate the present moment. In a word, I want to say "Thanks."

I thank you for being here.

I listened to reports this past week about parish closings in the northeast caused by demographic changes and plain alienation. I thank God for the growth of St. Charles. We added a 6 PM Mass over a year ago and now have another full and lively congregation with many young adults. Our ministries fair attracted many new volunteers willing to share their time and skills with the mission of our parish.

Today our Finance Committee offers our financial report. Through your generous pledges to Build the Spirit Campaign and to Rooted in Faith we were able to inaugurate our new community center. In addition to raising over $5 million for capital expenses, you also increased your offertory giving. This enabled us to expand our programs, especially through our school and religious education efforts, while continuing to tithe to local and global social needs. I appreciate the sacrifice this represents. I salute you for your faithful redemption of pledges, your growing generosity and applaud the new members who have freely joined in our giving and pledging programs.

We do not have to wait until Thanksgiving to have an attitude of gratitude. Each Eucharist is an action of praise and thanksgiving.

Once I heard the following definition of an Irishman, "He is someone who will not cross the road to give his neighbor a compliment, but he will walk 5 miles to his funeral." Let it not be said of me that I failed to say thanks.

  or  2004 Homilies