November 2014 E-pistle

Thoughts
Is it contradictory that Thanksgiving occurs during a month in which our Church calls us to focus on death? Not at all. First, we are called to gratitude for those who have died. We are grateful for the exemplary lives and constant intercession of the saints. We are grateful for the lives of our friends and family members who touched us deeply. And our brothers and sisters who are in purgatory are grateful for our prayers. Second, physical death is a constant reminder of the beauty of life and the uncountable gifts God gives us, including the gift of life. Third, we are called to overwhelming gratitude for the fact that because God became man, died and rose for us, death is not our end, but a glorious passage into eternal joy.

Challenge
Prayerfully write two letters: one to God thanking Him for a person now deceased who led you closer to Him, and the second to a living person who has inspired you to grow in your relationship with God.

Go Deeper
+ Start a gratitude journal, taking time every night to list several things for which you are grateful
+ Attend Mass with your family on Thanksgiving
Pray one of the following prayers for the deceased every day for the rest of this month Prayer 1 Prayer 2
+ Pray at the grave of a friend or loved one
Learn more about the doctrine of purgatory : EWTN 1 EWTN 2 Catholic Answers
+ The Catechism teachings on the afterlife
Read this article from Catholic News Service regarding the fact that Limbo is a theological hypothesis and not an established doctrine and the Vatican document: The Hope of Salvation for Infants Who Die Without Being Baptized
+ Understanding the intercession of the saints
Thanksgiving prayers
+ Thanksgiving Day, A Deeply Catholic Holiday
+ How to celebrate Thanksgiving: Video
+ Catholic family practices for Thanksgiving by CatholicMom
And remember that Advent begins on Sunday November 30:
+ Great CDs for Advent
Advent Practices
+ Origin and history of Advent