Pope Francis, completing his encyclical Laudato Si. wrote: “All it takes is one good person” like Noah. Thanksgiving is a good time to remember the blessings we have received, starting with Creation itself . Here’s Pope Francis’ prayer:
All-powerful God,
you are present in the whole universe
and in the smallest of your creatures.
You embrace with your tenderness all that exists.
Pour out upon us the power of your love,
that we may protect life and beauty.
Fill us with peace, that we may live
as brothers and sisters, harming no one.
O God of the poor,
help us to rescue the abandoned
and forgotten of this earth,
so precious in your eyes.
Bring healing to our lives,
that we may protect the world and not prey on it,
that we may sow beauty,
not pollution and destruction.
Touch the hearts
of those who look only for gain
at the expense of the poor and the earth.
Teach us to discover the worth of each thing,
to be filled with awe and contemplation,
to recognize that we are profoundly united
with every creature
as we journey towards your infinite light.
We thank you for being with us each day.
Encourage us, we pray, in our struggle
for justice, love and peace.
I can’t remember the exact quote, but Pope St. John XXIII asked that we
celebrate our similarities instead of observing our differences. If only we can
do that, then perhaps we will realize that Earth is our only home and we must love, respect ,and care for it and all life on it.
God’s Children
I am black and I am white
I am red and brown and yellow
I am small and I am large
I am shy and I am outgoing
I am gifted and I am ordinary
I wear clothes that keep me warm
I wear clothes that keep me cool
I live in your town or a world away
I look like you
I look different from you
We speak different languages
It’s hard to understand each other
But we understand
a smile
a handshake
a hug
Let’s learn to speak the language
of God’s love
Gloria Ziemienski,
“Pages From A Poet’s Journal”
December 22, 2007
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P.S. Thanks for the snowflakes!
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Happy Thanksgiving, Father Victor!!! Very grateful for you! 🙏🤲
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