November 12, 2025

By Father William Muench
NCC columnist

November begins with All Saints and All Souls – two feasts that remind me of my Heavenly support. When I turn to God in prayer – to all my favorite saints, even to my many loved ones who are now with God – I remember well how they are constantly supporting me. This month of November reminds me that this is now a special time for gratitude. The Church constantly reminds me to recognize that my best response now is gratitude. St. Paul writes in his First Letter to the Thessalonians: “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing – give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

I know that each time I turn to God in prayer my first thought must be gratitude. Scripture reminds me that everything is gift. Gratitude must be my natural response to God’s goodness. It leads me to humility, trust and joy. I know that our best prayer is the Holy Eucharist. The very word means gratitude. Every time I go to the altar to celebrate Eucharist, every Mass is a prayer of gratitude. All who join me at Mass are offering gratitude to our Lord and Savior as we gather around the altar of the Lord for Eucharist. We are all about to be transformed as we celebrate the Holy Eucharist; we are blessed with holiness, and we are on our way to becoming saints. For this, we must be most grateful.

With the Lord’s guidance, we are also called to bring our gratitude to others. Every step of our lives involves the kindness and support of others – family, friends, mentors. In gratitude, we are led to recognize the image of God in those who help us. This reminds us to be generous in return. Thank you is a form of love; we are connected in a special way.

Gratitude is not just a feeling; it is a way of living. It teaches us patience, kindness, forgiveness and joy. Our gratitude to others is so transformative. St. Therese of Lisieux wrote this: “What most draws down graces from our dear Lord is gratitude, for if we thank him for a gift, He is touched and hastens to gift us with ten more.” Even in times of hardship, when we look with grateful eyes, even trials can reveal God’s hidden grace.

A grateful spirit leads to happiness. I have noticed that many writers today focus on happiness. They usually begin by encouraging gratitude. Our gratitude to God and to others transforms us and leads us to a real happiness. I remember ages ago that someone encouraged me to develop a Gratitude Notebook. I was to jot down each evening what I was grateful for on that very day. This has become powerful reminder of how grateful I must be.

So, let me finish with a Prayer of Gratitude: Loving Father, you are the giver of every good gift. For the breath of life, for faith that sustains me, for the people who care for me and the grace that guides me, I give you thanks. Teach me to live each day with a grateful heart to see your hand in the beauty around me, to recognize your love in those who help me and share that love with others in kindness and joy. May my gratitude become praise, my praise become service, and my service bring glory to your name. Through Christ Our Lord. Amen.