I would like to challenge everyone to keep a gratitude journal for the 50 days of Easter. This idea was taken from a homily of Fr. Larry Richards: “As we embark on the 50 days of Easter, write something down, every day, that helps you experience being loved. How do you experience God loving you today? The first day, Easter, is easy...He rose from the dead. It could also be as simple as I walked today; I talked today; I listened today; I ate today; God embraced me in my prayer today; God whispered to my heart that he loves me. For 50 days focus on the life that God gives us AND the love that He gives us ~ let’s start living like we are loved and not in a way that embraces the resistance and doubt in us... “I’m not good enough; life is so bad...” Let’s live the next 50 days like we are loved and, every day, focus on something different that makes us feel loved.

Don’t end there ~ ask the Lord to help you help others in little ways. After you write down how God showed you that He loves you write down how you showed others that you love them. The deepest need in everyone’s heart is love. When you experience love, the more life you receive. When you love others more, the more life you give! The more you love others; the more life and love comes upon you.

This Easter Christ has given us life, eternal life; a life where we know forever that we are loved. Let’s experience that for the next 50 days and let’s share that with others. Live every day; live like you are loved every day!”

This journal is a gift to help you experience the life that Christ has given each of us. Enjoy the journey!

Love in Christ,
Fr. Tony