Living Thanksgiving

St. Gianna Beretta Molla expressed her insight into living with gratitude even while she suffered from chronic illness sharing, “The secret of happiness is to live moment by moment and to thank God for what He is sending us every day in His goodness,” a philosophy which resonates deeply within the structure of Pope St. John Paul II’s profound scriptural rearticulation, Theology of the Body. He invites us to recognize the inherent dignity and value of every human person, as well as the beauty of all of creation itself, inspiring a spirit of gratitude that can foster authentic joy and inner peace.

At the heart of the Theology of the Body is the understanding that human beings are created male and female in the image and likeness of God, which imbues every person with equally intrinsic inestimable worth from conception to natural death. This perspective encourages us to appreciate not only our own bodies but also the bodies of others as sacramental and sacred gifts. As Pope St. John Paul II emphasizes from St. Paul’s letter, the body is a “temple of the Spirit” (1 Cor 6:19) therefore, “The fruit of redemption is indeed the Holy Spirit, who dwells in man and his body as in a temple. In this Gift, which makes every human being holy, the Christian receives himself anew as a gift from God (TOB 56:4). The gift of our bodies is a means through which love is expressed and experienced. Recognizing this divine body-soul connection in every interaction can transform mundane moments into opportunities for gratitude.

Living moment by moment, as St. Gianna suggests, requires a conscious awareness of the present, instead of dwelling on past regrets or worrying too much about the future. This mindfulness allows us to see the beauty in everyday experiences, from the warmth of the sun on our skin to the laughter shared with family and friends. By acknowledging these present moments as gifts from God, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude. TOB teaches that every aspect of creation, especially human relationships, reflect God’s love and goodness. This understanding can lead to a deeper appreciation for the world around us, nurturing a sense of joy that is rooted in gratitude.

Moreover, the Pope’s teachings emphasize the importance of what he calls the “spousal meaning of the body,” which highlights the call to love and self-giving inherent in human relationships. “One can understand this ‘spousal’ meaning of the human body only in context of the person…because the human person…cannot fully find himself except through a sincere gift of self [Gaudium et Spes, 24:3]”(TOB 15:5). When we embrace this call, we begin to see our relationships as opportunities to express gratitude and joy. Each act of love, whether in marriage or friendship, becomes a moment to thank God for the gift of the other person. This perspective not only enriches personal relationships but also contributes to a broader sense of community and belonging.

In a culture that emphasizes the pursuit of materialism and individualism, the Theology of the Body offers a counter-narrative that celebrates the interconnectedness of all of God’s creation. Pope St. John Paul II reminds us that our body is not merely a physical entity but a means of communion with others and with God including an inextricable connection to our souls. “The body, in fact, and only the body, is capable of making visible what is invisible: the spiritual and the divine” (TOB 19:4). This understanding invites us to view our body-soul composites and the body-soul combinations of others as conduits of divine grace, encouraging a sense of reverence and gratitude for the gift of life itself.

Furthermore, the practice of daily gratitude can lead to a profound sense of peace. Who doesn’t want more peace in an anxiety-saturated culture? When we can focus on the goodness that surrounds us and appreciate even the small gifts that each day brings, we are less likely to be consumed by distress and worry. The act of thanking God for daily blessings, no matter how small, cultivates a mindset that recognizes the abundance of God’s love in every moment. St. Therèse of Lisieux, insightfully expressed her little way like this, “Jesus does not demand great action from us but simply surrender and gratitude.” This compliments Pope St. John Paul II’s 2001 Apostolic Letter excerpt where he reminds us to live in the present: “Remember the past with gratitude. Live the present with enthusiasm. Look forward to the future with confidence” (Novo Millennio Ineunte, 1).

This Thanksgiving let’s remember and reflect on how the saints, as well as the teachings of the Theology of the Body provide a roadmap to life for understanding how gratitude can lead to sustained joy and a sense of peace. By recognizing the sacredness of the body, the beauty of all of creation, and being present in the present, we can cultivate a spirit of thankfulness that transforms our daily lives, perspectives, and relationships. Living moment by moment, with an awareness of God’s goodness, allows for a deeper connection to oneself, to others, and to the Creator, ultimately revealing the pathway to happiness during this earthly pilgrimage and beyond.

Written by, Evie Estes,
Curriculum Production Manager,
Editor, Sales & Website Support