March 24, 2026
Lenten Weekday
Offering Thanks, No Matter What
But with their patience worn out by the journey, the people complained against God and Moses…
Numbers 21:4-5

Even though God had already led the Israelites out of slavery, even though God had already parted the Red Sea, saving them from Pharaoh’s army, even though God had already provided manna to fill their growling stomachs in the desert, the people grumbled and whined and abandoned the practice of gratitude. Sometimes we, too, can become so focused on what we don’t have that we forget the unfailing gifts and tender care of the Holy One.

Like the people of Israel who later recounted God’s goodness to them in a litany of grateful remembrance during the Passover meal, may we also work with grace to return to the practice of gratitude, giving thanks for the Holy One’s accompaniment of us always.

St. Oscar Romero, cultivate in us a grateful heart.

- Sr. Chris Koellhoffer, I.H.M.

Numbers 21:4-9 ✚ Psalm 102:2-3, 16-21 ✚ John 8:21-30
Morton Overlook at Sunset in the Great Smoky Mountains. Image by Andrew S. | stock.adobe.com
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Comments

Salina (not in control)
March 24, 2026 at 12:39 PM

Reminds me of some parents would say to their children, “You continue crying I will give you something to cry about!” Meaning the child did not have any reason to cry or complain, but he/she cries or complains anyway Reminds me of some parents would say to their children, “You continue crying I will give you something to cry about!” Meaning the child did not have any reason to cry or complain, but he/she cries or complains anyway. So the parent will give the child a spanking, so at least there is a reason for the crying and complaining! ***...
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Scott
March 24, 2026 at 12:01 PM

"Give Thanks with a grateful heart, Give Thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because he's given Jesus Christ, His Son." (Song by Don Moen) One of the first praise songs in a local church I learned. Giving thanks is one of the values I teach people to live. Be filled with appreciation for those around you in the work you do, to the people who sit around the table with. Even if you are living alone, be grateful for those who have taught you to have the values you have to live for today. When you are in Mass/church...
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Mary Beth
March 24, 2026 at 09:57 AM

Stormi Praying you and your family stay safe and have piece of mind without any more stress promoting individuals moving in next door to you. May God’s embrace envelope all of you.

ADV
March 24, 2026 at 09:51 AM

AMEN!

Stormi
March 24, 2026 at 09:45 AM

Sr. Chris thank you for all your words of inspiration and reminder that God is all good and is there for us. I truly need him now! LFF I need EXTRA prayers NOW please. I fear the people that were harassing me and my family are trying to buy the house right next to me. Please God keep us safe and block evil from moving in. Blessings to all the LFF, especially those with extra needs these days. May the Holy Spirit fill the hearts of all and guide us to a heavenly earth.

Scott
March 24, 2026 at 03:12 PM

Prayers Stormi, that God is with you and will not make the neighbors move in. Prayers that God protects you with love and grace, so that the harassment stops and people can love the neighbor as they do themselves, so the neighbors come to an understanding of how to respect neighbors for who they are.

Helen
March 24, 2026 at 02:58 PM

Stormi, I'm so sorry about your difficulties with your neighbors. I'm praying for you and your family. I've developed a lot of serenity by saying a Hail Mary for anyone who annoys, scares or acts in a manner that I think is rude or offensive. Every time I do this, sometimes it takes a while, things get easier, and I become calmer.

Rita
March 24, 2026 at 12:29 PM

Stormi, my heart reaches out to you. Oh Lord, please be with Stormi and her family. Please watch over them and keep them safe. Lord, we trust in You. Amen

SusanB
March 24, 2026 at 11:44 AM

Thinking of you and sending up prayers for you and your family's safety and wellbeing! "Even though I walk in the dark valley, I fear no evil; for you, Lord, are at my side with your rod and your staff that give me courage." Psalm 23:4 I hope you can feel God's loving arms around you!

Larry S
March 24, 2026 at 11:27 AM

I am praying for you Stormi ! My Our Lord give you peace of mind!

PeggyR
March 24, 2026 at 09:39 AM

Thank you Sr. Chris for an important reminder to express gratitude to The Holy One each and every day. By giving thanks, we can become more generous to the people in need. Gratitude and Generosity are what Jesus calls us to do. God bless you, Sr Chris and the whole LFF. Hi Ken, thinking of you.

CBR
March 24, 2026 at 09:06 AM

Amen Amen Amen God bless us all

Holly
March 24, 2026 at 08:53 AM

Amen!

freeter
March 24, 2026 at 08:42 AM

Amen. :)

Gary
March 24, 2026 at 08:29 AM

Guide me on my path, Lord. Amen!

Lia
March 24, 2026 at 07:18 AM

Amen

Cheryl
March 24, 2026 at 06:23 AM

Amen... thank you Lord everyday for you Mercies

Bill L
March 24, 2026 at 03:37 AM

Thank you for your devotion today, Sr. Chris. In order to return to the practice of Gratitude we must remember to change our Attitude! Prayers to all in need this day especially for the families of the two pilots at LaGuardia airport.

Morton Overlook at Sunset in the Great Smoky Mountains. Image by Andrew S. | stock.adobe.com
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