The Intermountain Catholic. (Salt Lake City [Utah] ;) 1899-1920, 1903-11-28

we have lifted up our hearts to the Lord Next
he saws: Let us give thanks to the Lord our Cod
and the answer comes Tt is meet and just to do
So This is the daily prayer of the Catholic church
throughout the entire world How faithfully does
she carry out st. Paus injunction by giving thanks
at every moment of the day in some part of the
world to God, who is the dispenser OF all good
things.
"This day, which is set apart by our country's
ruler to give special thanks for the favors bestowed
by Providence during the past year, should not be
spent in reveling or dissipation but i'll thanking
God What have we to be thankful for! Life,
peace, prosperity and happiness come first. Thank
God for these blessings this morning. Do so with
sentiments of profound humility, remembering that
words of St. Paul: What have you that you did
not receive, and if you received why do you boast
as if you received not.
There are great many things occurring daily
for which tears of regret should be shed, rather
than thanks be given. The loss of the knowledge
of God. and of divine faith, which seem to be more
than keeping pace with country's growth are
matters to be deeply regretted The disturbed state
of society, and the strained relations between CAPT
tai and labor, having their origin in Mammon wor
ship show loss of faith hope and charity--the
three great Christian virtues Only enemies OF
God, society and man could be thankful for this.
We are assured of our countrys prosperity, but
prosperity and Christian virtues do not always go
hand in hand. In thanking God for our prosperous
condition, we should do it in an humble spirit, for
often, as the Holy Ghost says: The Lord hath Civ
en- and the Lord hath also taken away The papers
tell daily of murders, suicides, robberies, breaking
up of homes and disregard of marriage vows. To
day should pray that these may cease. There
are hidden crimes, known only to God and the eul-
prits. All these, in day like this, when placed
in the scales of divine justice, may overbalance
the good for which we offer our thanks to God.
Again, it may be asked how many will today
erenty give thanks to God for the blessings of the
past year? We glory in our country's power and
greatness which are measured by the bayonet more
than by the peace offerings which Jesus established
during his reign on earth. Why all this The
same answer comes back from all quarters. The
loss of the knowledge of God and want of faith.
Statesmen realize this and would if they could,
store faith Let pray God today that that faith,
which directs mems thoughts words, deeds and ac-
tions in the right course, may be revived in the
hearts of all 1t alone can solve the difficult prob
lens of the age for it alone makes all men broth
in Jesus Christ, who has taught to call God
our Father In conclusion, would remind you all
not to forget the poor, whose hearth may be cold,
whose winter clothing may be scant, and whose
supply of food may be entirely gone. In reminding
you of this, | would say, as Jesus did: Whatever
you do for any of these, you do it for him, and
for giving cnp of cold water he promises to re-
ward the giver.'"