Sometimes when I go to Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament (Eucharist), I take the time to recall in this special presence of Jesus the many wonderful and holy blessings I have been given. The Jewish people have a special prayer that they sometimes pray. I like to think of it as the Thanksgiving Prayer. It could also be titled, “That would have been enough.” This type of prayer begins by recalling an early blessing that we all received, and goes on from there. It is very personal and individual with no two people praying the same way. This is the way I pray it.
“Father, you gave me life. That would have been enough. But no, you gave me a twin sister to love and be loved by. That would have been enough. But no, you gave me a whole family of loving people, brothers and sister, father and mother, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and grandchildren, friends, and cousins. That would have been enough.
But no, you gave me a wonderful wife, a great marriage, children, education, and two wonderful careers as a teacher and therapist. That would have been enough. But no. You gave me a wonderful place to live, beautiful sunrises and sunsets. That would have been enough. But no. You gave me a wonderful church, the mass, the sacraments, fellow pilgrims, and a history of priests, nuns, teachers, Mary your Mother, and saints to guide me. That would have been enough.
But no. You gave me good health, good food, good health habits, wonderful sleep, glorious seasons of the year, star-filled nighttime skies, foggy mornings and cool evenings. That would have been enough. But no. You gave me hunting and fishing, gardening and lawn work, flowers and vegetables, rakes, shovels and tractors and people to share them with. That would have been enough.
But no. You gave me your Son, Jesus who showed his love for us by his death, and resurrection. You gave us the Bible, love letters from you. That would have been enough. But no. You gave us a church to guide us, teach us, a family to be part of. That would have been enough. But no. You gave us the Holy Spirit, the breath of life and love, and of wisdom. But no. You gave us the Eucharist and eternal life. We will live eteranally with you. Who could as for more? But no. You give us the spirit of gratitude. Thankyou Father.”
“May the Lord bless and keep you. May he let his face shine upon you, be gracious to you and give you his peace.” Sholom.