How can we show our gratitude? Not just by saying \u201cthank you,\u201d but by demonstrating it by giving back something of ourselves\u2014the 3Ts: TIME, TREASURE, and TALENT.<\/p>\n
This I have been saying as part of my testimony: that I continue to serve God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ because I was formed in the womb of my mother, Mar\u00eda de Jes\u00fas Garc\u00eda; yet it was my Creator who gave me the parts of my body, and my mother accepted the hand of God working in her womb and giving me life. Knowing and believing this has led me to show my grateful heart by giving my time, talent, and treasure to others. Some people ask me, \u201cWhy do you talk about Jesus?\u201d My answer is: because I must be grateful to Him who loves us more than anyone else. Jesus came not only to teach us how to live this life in abundance. When Jesus accepted the suffering of being arrested, tried, and sacrificed on the cross\u2014as if He were a criminal\u2014even though He was a man who loved others, especially sinners, because He did not and does not want any soul to be lost\u2014how can we not value what He did for each one of us?! He gave His life so that we might receive God\u2019s forgiveness; He paid the price and offered His body as a sacrifice so that we might one day reach heaven, the kingdom of God where He is and where those who were grateful to Him are.<\/p>\n
As we read the Holy Scriptures, we can see how many people showed their gratitude to Jesus for what He did for them. Mary Magdalene was freed from seven demons, and from then on, she remained by Jesus\u2019 side, following Him as Saint Luke recounts: \u201cAfterward he journeyed from one town and village to another, preaching and proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. Accompanying him were the Twelve and some women who had been cured of evil spirits and infirmities, Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out,\u201d (Luke 8:1-2)<\/strong> and she was the first witness to know that her Master had conquered death. There is also the story of the sinful woman who entered the Pharisee\u2019s house uninvited, washed Jesus\u2019 feet with her tears, dried them with her hair, and anointed them with perfume. Jesus acknowledges this act of gratitude and frees her from her sins; however, Jesus points out to the host that he did not show this same love; we can find this passage in Luke 7:36\u201350. So here we see the importance of those who are grateful.<\/p>\n Many saints gave their lives out of love and gratitude for their Lord. Who is a true Catholic? The first Christians in history were Catholics, and even today, a true and authentic Catholic is one who is grateful by showing concern for those most in need\u2014those who do not know Christ; they are the poorest. Pope Francis said this when he called on us to be a \u201cChurch that goes forth,\u201d \u201cto the peripheries\u201d; that is, one that strives to go out and bring the Good News to the poor and the sick, to prisoners and abandoned elderly people, and to children who are victims of abuse. There is so much suffering in this world! How can one say, \u201cI am a Christian,\u201d and yet fail to show gratitude to Jesus by stopping\u2014just as the Good Samaritan did when he saw that dying man who had been robbed\u2014rather than passing by on the road, as did the priest and the Levite, who were among the most religious! Let\u2019s turn to the text: There was a scholar of the law who stood up to test him and said, \u201cTeacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?\u201d<\/strong> Jesus said to him, \u201cWhat is written in the law? How do you read it?\u201d He said in reply, \u201cYou shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, with all your being, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.\u201d He replied to him, \u201cYou have answered correctly; do this, and you will live.\u201d But because he wished to justify himself, he said to Jesus, \u201cAnd who is my neighbor?\u201d Jesus replied, \u201cA man fell victim to robbers as he went down from Jerusalem to Jericho. They stripped and beat him and went off leaving him half-dead. A priest happened to be going down that road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. Likewise, a Levite came to the place, and when he saw him, he passed by on the opposite side. But a Samaritan traveler who came upon him was moved with compassion at the sight. He approached the victim, poured oil and wine over his wounds and bandaged them. Then he lifted him up on his own animal, took him to an inn and cared for him. The next day he took out two silver coins and gave them to the innkeeper with the instruction, \u2018Take care of him. If you spend more than what I have given you, I shall repay you on my way back.\u2019 Which of these three, in your opinion, was neighbor to the robbers\u2019 victim?\u201d He answered, \u201cThe one who treated him with mercy.\u201d Jesus said to him, \u201cGo and do likewise.\u201d (Luke 10: 25-37) <\/strong>In this parable, the Good Samaritan demonstrates and lives out love for those in need without expecting anything in return. He gave his time<\/strong>, his talent<\/strong>\u2014which is his ability to lift a man up, heal him, and take him to an inn so he could be cared for\u2014and he also offered his treasure<\/strong> by paying for that care. Here are the 3Ts of GRATITUDE, and here is the call for each one of us.<\/p>\n One of the ten lepers who were healed returned to Jesus to thank him, but nine did not. This is how it is today, brothers and sisters; people do not show gratitude to their Savior and Creator. Those who are ungrateful will always lack so many things, because they do not have that blessing from the Lord\u2014not because God does not love them, but because that person wants nothing from God. And by their example of thinking only of themselves and not of someone in need, it is clear that such a person will suffer greatly. Just as I said, I have witnessed that the most generous people are the happiest; even though they go through times of suffering, they are the strongest, because in Jesus lies the strength from on high, in the Holy Spirit, and through the intercession of our Mother Mary. These are the people who will dwell among the richest, because one day they will receive the greatest crown of all: eternal life.<\/p>\n Here in this country, in November, there is a day that is very precious to me: Thanksgiving Day<\/strong>. I wish you all the best and thank each and every one of you who receives this letter. I also ask for your prayers for our mission to continue bringing these messages to save souls. Thank you to those who are able and make the effort to contribute a donation\u2014not to me, but to the apostolate. Thanks to you, we continue to witness the power of Jesus healing hearts.<\/p>\n Furthermore, I include in my daily prayer this month the eternal rest of our faithful departed, for whom there is a special liturgical commemoration in November. I also take this opportunity to proclaim the name of Christ, our Lord, as King of the Universe.<\/p>\n I entrust you and your family to the maternal care of our Blessed Mother, Our Lady of Guadalupe, so she may continue to intercede for us before the great Mediator of our salvation, before the Father, Jesus Christ, our ever-beloved Lord.<\/p>\n Your friend and servant, THE GRATEFUL WILL ALWAYS BE BLESSED! Throughout my life, I have encountered people who are grateful and among the happiest people I have ever met. Especially those who first express their gratitude to God, our Creator Father, because we come from Him. Let us remember that we were made in His image and likeness. 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