Do This in Memory of Me: Give Thanks

By: Laura Worhacz

“Mary’s Presentation in the Temple: Mary had no childhood in the ordinary sense of the word…We know nothing of her life in the Temple except that she lived a secluded life and that she practiced every virtue…She was the servant of all never loosing courage…Mary gave herself to God promptly, unreservedly and forever. She gave him her mind, her heart, her liberty, -she kept nothing back.”  - Saint Peter Julian Eymard (Eymard Library, Vol. 7, page 35)
 
Dearest Eucharistic family,

November has always been a special month for me. It is a time to remember all souls, thanksgiving, my wedding anniversary, my grandmothers passing and her day of birth, which falls on the Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 11/21. For all this my heart is filled with thanks. Since October 31st,  I have been in quarantine with my husband Ray. He tested positive for COVID and has been in bed for 16 days with a temperature, fatigue, and a little cough. His temperature has finally returned to normal and he seems to have begun a new road to recovery.
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The above excerpt reminds me of what life has been like. It has been secluded and filled with opportunity to find the virtues of God. Caring for someone sick is a gift. It teaches us the sacredness of life; every breath taken is a moment of grace. Our lives are to be lived in growing closer to Jesus, the One whom we will be with for all eternity. We grow in love by our consent to God’s life in us and by serving others. In this way we live out of this world and in the Eucharist here and now.

Thanksgiving Day is almost here. It is a time to give thanks around our tables, talk about memories, share dreams and hopes, a time to gather. As difficult as it may be to bear the cross of sickness, suffering, and even death, there is a place of hope to give thanks; it is found in the Eucharist. Our Lady was presented in the Temple; she gave her life to God and lived in thanksgiving. Mary gave her life unreservedly for the love of JESUS. This year, 2020, has brought many challenges to our world: a pandemic, election, protests… As we follow our Mother to the Temple, we may find the chance to grow, learn, and be open to the new beginnings God has prepared for those who love Him and give thanks. The Greek word “eucharistia” means thanksgiving. The Sacrament of the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of JESUS CHRIST, really, truly, and substantially present under the appearances of bread and wine is our means of life on earth. In serving others our Eucharistic lives become whom we receive, and our souls are found in thanksgiving. Advent is coming!