Reflection on Gratitude

November is a wonderful month to be on the spiritual journey with each of you who are such a deep part of our lives. We often need to stop to be present to truly appreciate all that has been given to us over the year.

Sister Catherine Nehotte, OSB

November--All Saints Day and All Souls' Day--are joined together as we come together to celebrate the lives of all our unnamed saints, living and dead, who have touched our lives deeply with love.

The upcoming Thanksgiving Day calls us to remember and be grateful for each of you who have been a deep part of our lives this past year. In our daily Liturgy of the Word, we pray for you daily. You have also blessed our lives deeply by who you are, our Donors, Volunteers, Staff, many guests who touch our lives each day. We would not be able to do what we do without each of you being a part of our ministry here at St. Paul’s Monastery. Gratitude wells up in our hearts with joy as we celebrate the gift of who you are.

Sister Virginia Matter, OSB

I know our hearts have been filled with delight in the colors Our Creator has painted for us this Autumn. It is also a time to be in wonder of our beautiful precious earth. May we pray together that we will continue to preserve it for our next generations. Thank you.

I will close with this beautiful quote from Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB:

“Gratefulness is an unconditional "yes" to life as give and take. The fullness of prayer is grateful living."

Brother David says it for us. We each need one another as we are gifted at being able to give-offer and take-receive. With hearts of gratitude, we give thanks for you.

THAT IN ALL THINGS GOD MAY BE GLORIFIED.

_____

Reflection on Gratitude by Sister Virginia Matter

Sister Virginia Matter, OSB

Sister Virgina Matter, OSB is a member of St. Paul’s Monastery (since 1957). She worked in nursing and in pastoral ministry. Virginia has done significant preparation in the areas of spirituality, Centering Prayer, Bio-Spiritual Focusing, retreats, and Spiritual Direction. She also has experience in pottery and Native American creative arts.