by Bill Maloney
There is no shortage of things to be thankful for in the office of stewardship and development and in my personal life.
Unfortunately, sometimes I desperately need someone to send me a powerful reminder of this.
Let me tell you: The good Lord put someone in front of me earlier this month to do just that.
I had the privilege of hearing Immaculée Ilibagiza, author of the book “Left to Tell,” speak. Immaculée shared her story of surviving the mass genocide in Rwanda.
She shared her story of hope, love and forgiveness. She said that any suffering we endure is a gift from God and an opportunity to grow closer to him. As I sat and listened to her, I couldn’t help but think that I was in the presence of a saint.
Hope, love and forgiveness. What if I wake up each day and thank God for the day in front of me? What if I thank God for the blessings that the day will bring and for the challenges I might endure? What if I lived in the present, thanked God for that moment and lived every moment to glorify God? I am thankful for Immaculée’s message and for the privilege of being in her presence.
This past year has brought us many blessings in our archdiocese. Our churches are filling up once again to celebrate the sacraments. We are gathering again to support many of our favorite Catholic ministries. Our country is returning to a new normal as we overcome the struggles of the pandemic. I am thankful for our doctors, nurses and scientists who strive to make our world safe.
I am thankful for your bountiful support. The faithful of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas once again proved to be very generous. The Archbishop’s Call to Share appeal raised almost $6.4 million, the third-highest amount ever. Parishioners continue to honor their commitments to the One Faith, One Family, One Future in Christ campaign. The Catholic Education Foundation set a record for funds raised for the second consecutive year. These gifts are given out of gratitude, and your unwavering support humbles me.
I am also thankful for our priests. Our priests are genuinely on the frontline of our faith. It would be challenging for any of us to try and keep up with the daily life of a pastor. Sometimes, pastors experience the joy of a baptism and wedding then console a grieving family at a funeral, all on the same day. Be sure and thank your priest this weekend.
God is good; God is always good. Whether it is in times of joy or sorrow, he is always good. Let’s make an effort to remember to thank him each morning for the day ahead.
