How Can I Say Thanks

On By Renee Yann, RSMIn Faith, Love, Thanksgiving

Thursday, April 19, 2018:
Readings: Acts 8:26-40; Ps. 66:8-20; John 6:44-51

Today, in Mercy, we pray with the Ethiopian eunuch (an alliterative and lyrical phrase with its own fascination). Philip finds this man reading Isaiah and asks if he understands the Scripture he is reading.  The man replies, “How can I, unless someone show me?”

Indeed, how do we learn to believe without the witness of our many teachers in the faith?

Today, on my 73rd birthday, (in a rare personal departure from my usual pattern of reflections), I count the faithful witnesses in my own life who have shown me the way to God:

  • my faith-filled parents, whose well-worn devotionals I can still picture, set in silent witness beside their chairs
  • my devout only-brother who, with his loving wife, are living witnesses to faithful marriage, parenthood, and family
  • their dear children, grandchildren, and in-law children who faithfully reflect the miraculously recurring love of this family to which they have been born or wed
  • my extended Catholic family, some who lived centuries before me, who carried the faith to my cradle
  • the Sisters who taught me in my initial twelve years of Catholic education, each of whose names I can still repeat in grateful prayer
  • my own dear Sisters of Mercy who share covenanted life with me, in an awesome hymn to the presence of God in our humble yet glorious lives
  • my many companions in ministry, friendship, hope, service, and labor for these many years
  • the kind people who have allowed me to serve them so that I might learn the face of God
  • my precious, loving friends – beyond price, beyond description

Perhaps you, dear readers, may wish to join me in thanksgiving for those who have nourished your lives by the gift of their faithful witness. And whenever your birthday falls, may you be blessed with happiness.

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This song is a great way to pray your thanksgiving.

20 thoughts on “How Can I Say Thanks”

  6. Lucille Hillerman's avatar Lucille Hillerman

    Oh My God, Renee! How absolutely beautiful! Your words brought tears to my eyes and the song gave me chills! It is all of us, whose lives you have touched so beautifully, that give thanks for the gift of Renee!
    Happy Birthday! 🎂🎁💐 May blessings upon blessings come your way!🙏

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  8. Cindy Ashbaugh's avatar Cindy Ashbaugh

    Thank you Sister Renee. Your words are always inspiring.

    Cindy Ashbaugh, FAHM |Project Manager
    Business Excellence Support Team
    Office: 502-907-1334
    5100 Commerce Crossings Drive | Louisville, KY 40229
    [cid:image002.jpg@01D338E5.3F5E3080]

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  9. Donna's avatar Donna

    Dear Renee,
    As I read your beautiful life reflection, I too reflect on the gift of you in our lives! You have taught us the meaning of Mercy through your daily actions and words! Thank you for the treasures you share with us every day and the gift of you.

    Happy birthday my dear friend!

    dm xoxoxo

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  10. Anne Heath's avatar Anne Heath

    Happy Birthday to you, Renee😇. May you continue to inspire us all and may your words reach deep in our hearts as we are grateful to and for you. My memories of our days together make me smile- no- laugh🤪. Be well and happy.

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  11. Nancy hagen's avatar Nancy hagen

    Birthday blessings dear. sister Renee! I’m grateful for your words that inspire and teach so eloquently! And I do hope our paths cross again.
    You are an excellent (re)sister♥️
    Love
    Nancy hagen

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  15. Vicki Huffman's avatar Vicki Huffman

    Dear Sister Renee,

    So happy to be hearing from you again. I am wishing you a blessed and joyful bIrthday with many more happy days and blessings to come.

    Happy Birthday🎂.
    Vicki Huffman

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