November 2025

VIEW FROM THE HEIGHTS

November 2025

Gratitude is the alleluia to existence!

Sr. Joan Chittister, O.S.B.

Greetings,

Gratitude seems to be having a moment! Politicians are demanding it. Pundits are lamenting its absence or protesting its over-abundance!

November – the month dedicated to thankfulness - is the perfect time to revisit the topic. But, first, we must get the words straight.

Thanks and thankfulness come from the Proto-Germanic “thanka” (or “panka”)

which means, “to think”. Thanks is not, therefore, a rote response to a kindness or courtesy. Rather, it is the result of pondering that gesture and its giver. We think, therefore we thank!

Appreciation is the value we add to what has been given (by God, others, Father Christmas, etc.). When we appreciate a person or place, a gift or a grace, we increase its worth. We “appreciate” it!

Hawkers of bling on the telly make similar claims about their wares but they are only speaking of dollar value!

Gratitude and its cognates come from the Latin “gratis” via the Medieval English “grate”, a word that meant “pleasing” or “gratifying.” The person, or action, or object that pleases us, starts us thinking. And from there to thanking.

There are many whys, wherefores, and ways to express gratitude. Sometimes, “thank you” is simple politeness. A “honeyed” social lubricant that is more

attractive than vinegary responses. (Or neutral ones.) But beware of thankfulness for the wrong things!

Telling God that you’re grateful he gave you this or that crisis or illness is hurtful for our Heavenly Parent. DO NOT GO THERE!

But if you recognise God’s presence in the ER, the OR, the court or the crash site, give her the credit! If you can see his hand at work organizing the health care team or the legal team, share your appreciation with our Holy First Responder. Tell others, too.

“God got me through it!” is a powerful testimony. And an honest prayer of thanks.

November is a time to be grateful for our ancestors and the saints in our lives,

To appreciate the good gifts of food and shelter, family and friends.

A time to THINK on God and THANK him.

November is the perfect time to add “allelulias” to our lives!

Wishing a month full of blessings!

And a Holiday Season brimming with praise!

Brenda