Meister Eckhart, a 15th-century Dominican mystic, said, "If the only prayer we ever say is ‘thanks,’ that is enough."

Since March, our lives and the lives of all the world has been consumed by the pandemic that seems to rage on and on. Along with an election that has bitterly divided a nation, as well as a nation facing racial issues, one can easily say, how can one give thanks?

I have been confined trying to be safe and healthy. As a result, I have not been able to preside at a funeral of a friend of more than 40 years or visit a niece in Illinois who gave birth to a child. I’ve heard the stories of staff members losing loved ones to COVID-19 or not able to visit family members in hospitals or nursing homes.

Give thanks?

In the 1990s, I was pastor at Sacred Heart Parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Manitou Springs and Holy Rosary Cascade in Colorado Springs. One Sunday afternoon after celebrating three Masses and a baptism, I was hungry and tired. As I turned the corner leaving the parish center, I noticed a middle-aged man whom I frequently saw at Mountains Shadow Cafe in the morning after Mass. Neatly dressed, Mark was a resident of a nearby shelter for the homeless. Unsure of what he might say, I was concerned that he had a complaint or wanted to ask for help of some kind.

Instead, he said, “Father, you look tired and hungry. Let me take you to the café for lunch.” He explained that a parishioner gave him money for both of us to have lunch. “So really, you’re taking me,” he joked.

As we began to converse after placing our order, he said that he comes into the café each morning at 7 a.m. after he leaves the shelter. He then looks up help wanted ads and starts a job search. He said he likes the café because they treat him as an individual. “Sometimes, when I have no money, they give me a coffee,” he said, adding, "I dream of the day when my life is straightened out and I can walk in here and say, 'This is what I owe you,' put $500 in the tip jar and then say, ‘Thank you.’"

Mark is still my gratitude teacher today.

I invite everyone to think of ways that strangers like Mark have blessed you, or a beautiful sunrise or sunset, flowers, fall colors, lakes, oceans, birds, eagles, blue skies, a smile of a baby or smile or the Word of God that says over and over, "You are my beloved daughter or son, and I call you by name."

I think of all the heroes serving here at Notre Dame and across the lands in hospitals and nursing homes, the health care workers, police, fire, emergency personnel, grocery workers and on and on.

Finally, I want to thank GOD for EACH OF YOU AS YOU ARE.

God bless you,

Father Jim Bracke
Staff Chaplain