In the Eucharist, as we give thanks for what has been given to us in Jesus, we're strengthened to live in the present and to move into the future. That's why we celebrate it all the time. That's why the invitation is open to all who are with us. In all of life, all the time, we are called to remember and to say thanks in Jesus' name, to say thanks that we are loved, that we are graced. In all times, in all things, in the name of Jesus we recognize the link of grace and gratitude.
Grace evokes gratitude like the voice an echo.
Gratitude follows grace like thunder follows lightning. The call to be grateful has a lot to do with time. It asks us to trust that every moment of our life can be seen as a way that leads to new life. Even difficult moments, moments that might feel like the cross. That's not always easy to do.