Giving Thanks is Necessary

Giving thanks is not only good and polite. It’s not just a thoughtful gesture.
Fr. Mike says, and the words we say in Mass seem to agree, giving thanks is necessary for our salvation-especially when it comes to giving thanks to God.
We begin Mass by saying “It is right and just” to give God thanks. Not only that, the priest continues by saying:
“It is our duty and salvation always and everywhere to give you thanks.”
The word Eucharist means to give thanks-so it makes sense for Mass to start with this theme-but do we give proper thanks to God for the miraculous gifts he has given us to enjoy every day?
Our health, sight, hearing, even simply having someone who cares about you, all of these things are just some blessings we should thank God for because there are many who do not enjoy them.
This Thanksgiving, let’s try to take this spirit of gratitude beyond this necessary holiday.
Check out Fr. Mike’s newest project Quick Catholic Lessons with Fr. Mike (bit.ly/2PmpYzw), a feature-packed teacher’s guide designed to accompany Fr. Mike’s most popular videos, presented on a convenient DVD. Teachers, catechists, and youth ministers can supplement USCCB curriculum, prompt small-group discussion, and answer students’ questions easily and powerfully with this teacher’s guide and DVD.
Fr. Mike is also a presenter in these faith formation programs from Ascension:
Belonging: Baptism in the Family of God (bit.ly/2vQgGRx)
Chosen: This is Your Catholic Faith (bit.ly/2nCKKLK)
Altaration: The Mystery of the Mass Revealed (bit.ly/2vG9KX2)
YOU: Life, Love, and the Theology of the Body (bit.ly/2raspVB)
Get 18 of Fr. Mike’s best Ascension Presents videos in this exclusive DVD from Ascension:
Ascension Presents … Fr. Mike Schmitz (bit.ly/2sKUnJN)
Fr. Mike spoke at the Ascension Cafe during the World Meeting of Families. Watch him and other speakers get fired up over the gospel in the Ascension Cafe DVD (bit.ly/2sYtQaW).
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[@mikestarck3818]

I am 60 years old.....I wish I would have heard these words 55 years ago...and lived it.....I will try my remaining years....thanks for opening my eyes and heart.

[@dianarivera3890]

Thank You so Much Fr Mike. We must Always, daily Thank God and express our Gratitude for all our Blessings.

[@J3R1N]

Thank you lord for everything you have done for me, help me to always be thankful to you ❤

[@user-ji2on8eg3l]

Jesus I love you. All I have is yours. Yours I am yours I want to be. Do with me whatever you will.

[@claytonwenrich3588]

We should never take God's gifts for granted.

[@freewithads]

Sometimes, if we look back in our life and we will see God miracles that work in our life. Yes, it's our duty to give God thanks everyday. God Bless

[@Multi1Vids]

Nobody cares for you? If you say no just look up and see that God cares for you. Thank you God :)

[@nangeriecedeno]

Es justo y necesario. Gracias Padre!

[@jess.e]

I am 77 years old and I have my share of aches and pains, part of the aging process. But when I give a seat on the bus or subway, to a senior struggling with his/her walker or a mom with a baby on a stroller, I am so grateful I am still able to do that, and I whisper a silent "Thank You, Lord."

[@CatholicTruthOfficial]

Great outlook. Thank you for sharing.

[@patman_for_sure]

Very beautiful, sir. Thank you very much

[@m.ocasio6898]

Great

[@glolagunzad4984]

Thank you Father Mike. I'm thanking God for you doing your podcasts!

[@angieacostar9420]

Gracias Fr. Mike, I meet you long ago, my English is doing better listenging you, learning each day more deeply my Faith through you... I am blessed to have a priest like you, caring of your shep, GRACIAS to lead us to Heaven! Happy thanks giving !

[@elizabethramirez7468]

I'm still giving thanks, enough though the family is not together. Yesterday an unfortunate event happened and the truth will come out sooner or later. I know it's going to take time, patience, faith hope, and prayer for this situation 2 be over with. I know that I also have to pray for our enemies and for those who have done us wrong.

[@sirirish9089]

I'm thankful for being Catholic, I was Confirmed on October 28th.

[@imommtube]

Yeeeees Im Mexican and I love to hear Fr. mike speaking spanish, thanks for Fr Mikes Videos

[@Eltonm28]

"For it is Right and Just, Our Duty and Our Salvation always and everywhere, to Give You Thanks"

[@WilliamSmith-qv8xn]

Thank you for all you do for us and putting a smile on our dear Lord’s face😊

[@JCMCS87]

Father Mike speaking Spanish, huge thumbs up! Thank you and all in the Ascension Presents team. Greatings from San Salvador.

[@lenorecatalogna9752]

I close my ears to the wporld more then I listen to even tyhe daily News. In an hour,I have to go over to B'nai B'rith Apartdemnts because I have volunteered there since 2013 to teach ESL. N o one is payin me.

[@elizabethwilson3974]

I give thanks for you Fr. Mike. You're amazing!

[@ma.lourdesisorena2685]

I Thank God for Fr Mike! 😊God bless you too, Father!

[@alainnagriffiths9663]

God is the one who truely cares about us all. So everyone has someone who cares about them through the love of God through Jesus Christ. They just need to look in the right place. :)

[@tiff1622]

Thank you, Lord, for the gift of You ❤

[@leonastone3939]

Timely for 2020. Grateful for all that we we have taken for granted in the past

[@anthonyescobar1935]

I wanna say thank you god for letting me return home to my daughter after a really bad car accident that happened 3 days ago . I’m at work at this moment in time . I am very lucky to still be here . Thank you 🙏

[@jamesfinlayson1489]

My daughter wants to get baptized pray for me plz!

[@kenvee2166]

The nonstop river of noise and distraction, and the media carnival parading across our eyes and ears day after day after day providing us with instant gratification in our age has blunted the gifts of wonder and awe. Wonder and awe point us in the direction of recognizing the sublime power of God, and then naturally-- when we recognize the order he has provided for us in our physiology and on our perfect little planet suspended in the cosmos -- to true, deep gratitude. Rave on Father Mike. YOU are a wonder!

[@melissacorre2438]

It's 5:25 am here in the Philippines, this gentle reminder is a great way to start my day. Thanks Father!

[@rubylynch7540]

notif squad!! love you fr mike. im getting baptised in a few months, pray for me?

[@marcihf9763]

Congratulations. Prayers sent your way. God bless. 💝💝💝

[@SK-du2nh]

Thank you for the reminder. I do thank God but I should do it even more. Happy Thanksgiving!

[@eileen1820]

That's so awesome, Ruby!! I'll pray for you! Oh and Happy Thanksgiving!

[@pajimacas]

Welcome home... 😇

[@rubylynch7540]

@Ellen C thank you so much.. God Bless you

[@giovannafontes497]

My mind is blown right now, always and necessary! Wow!!

[@elizabethramirez7468]

Thanks be to God. Is what I say every night before I go to sleep.

[@chanceDdog2009]

Even if you have nothing material or good health. You still have gods love. And that is a blessing to give thanks for.

[@jackhughes3981]

does it pay the rent.. nope

[@chanceDdog2009]

@@jackhughes3981 how much money do you need to be happy ? How much to buy your love? From god its free, but any other you have to pay for.......

[@jackhughes3981]

@@chanceDdog2009 money cannot buy happiness, it can however unlock opportunities which bring happiness. I appreciate that you're initial comment is technically correct, however you say that to a homeless man, or someone in dire financial straits and you will come across as holier than thou

[@chanceDdog2009]

@@jackhughes3981 true. Money brings comfort. I grew up poor and know how hypocritical it sounds. I live a middle class lifestyle now. (Far from rich). I dont feel blessed because I can eat every day or because i can stay warm... Because i may loose all of that. I feel blessed because i know god loves me . I help in the best way i can to less fortunate people. Its not a solution and what i give is only temporary. But gods love is not. I don't have a solution for poverty. But i can say that believing and faith are more valuable than money. .in my view.

[@Chrisdemex]

Chance the dog chance the dog?!??!

[@Skyblue2643]

I thank God for you Father Mike, Peace.

[@solstice1681]

God bless you Father Mike!

[@giovannipagliari1537]

Thanks Father Mike for another great video! I’m thankful to God Almighty everyday for all of the blessings He grants me every moment of my life, even though I’m an undeserving sinner. I’m especially grateful for the life, crucifixion, death, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of my sins and the gift of eternal life! God bless you Father Mike in your ministry!

[@jamesgonzales7994]

THANK YOU GOD! THANK YOU JESUS! THANK YOU FATHER!! THANK YOU!!! GOD BLESS EVERYONE AND THE WHOLE WORLD!! FATHER YOUR SO NICE AND HANDSOME!!!!!!! HUGS!

[@milagroscapomasi8525]

"It could be otherwise" We take SO many things for granted: life, health, wealth, love, friendship. we forget we could not have all this things. We could just as easily not exist, yet we do! It is a miracle. Everything you see is just one beautiful gift from God. How could we not thank Him?

[@kirasussane1556]

I'm not religious or Spiritual and I don't believe in God. But some or this videos help me to learn some values that are not very talked in society. Hopefully one day schools teach emotional intelligence we really need it in society.

[@conniemcfeely4115]

Just wanted to let you know I am grateful for you and I think you are awesome 😇😇😇 thank you

[@gabrielanthony8721]

Excellent reminder on Good Friday. Thanks father.

[@Ryansullivan1100]

This is a great reminder, I feel the urge to pray to God and thank him. Happy thanksgiving to all!

[@danamay1718]

Yes I am always grateful and thankful for everything.

[@anthonyi6572]

Fr. Don’t forget that we are called also to thank God for our suffering. “Always and everywhere.” We can give thanks for our suffering because God can use our suffering to call others to Christ and his salvation. Think of all the healing stories, think of the Saints, think most of all of our Blessed Mother.

[@CForged]

Giving thanks is not optional, thank you LORD God through Christ!

[@johnhealy4647]

Praise God for this day! Thank you God for Father Michael!

[@francinalatha2328]

Thank you Fr.Mike for another enriching video. Happy thanks giving.

[@CVRCI]

Realmente es justo y necesario! Es nuestro deber y salvación, darte gracias siempre y en todo lugar Señor Dios Padre Santo.

[@RGTomoenage11]

Amèn!

[@tylersoto7465]

That's why it's very great to give thanks God for anything, find reasons to thank God for things in your life it also brings you closer to him, I'm thankful for meat, hamburgers, pizza, sleep, stars to stargaze etc , it really is great to find reasons to thank God 😎 🌠

[@AGirlWithoutAName]

Happy (late) Thanksgiving Father. You are right thank is so IMPORTANT. Every day I just thank God just because I am in live and I breath. Being amazed and thanksful by the simplest things is the purest thing.

[@rosalindacuevas2117]

Thank you, Father Mike. I am thankful for you, it seems that each time I listen to your videos, it is a question I have or something I’ wondering about.God bless you and keep you health. Rosalinda C.

[@clarafierro6921]

Always love how father Mike explained

[@jeffmckeough4012]

Thank you father for this video you did and I truly appreciate you thank you for being a priest

[@sherinsunny8587]

I am grateful to have you, Fr. Mike! Love your videos (:

[@flyesouisi]

I wish that I can give this a thumbs up 1,000 times.

[@iretabrickey6979]

Hear those words at every Mass for years and this is the first time I really thought about them.Thank you!

[@kennagel8088]

I thank God every day. I never ask for anything but grateful for what I have.

[@ujstmaidmyday6216]

Thank God, we got father mike!

[@alisad9361]

Thank god I saw this video, It was just awesome

[@annenelson5656]

Excellent talk. Thanks Fr. Mike

[@joking391]

You just pointed out to me how much I don't pay attention to the words being said by the priest. And I know them by heart; well by memory. Es nuestro deber y salvacion darte gracias siempre y en todo lugar, Señor Padre Santo, Dios Todopoderoso y Eterno.

[@paolapetriortiz183]

Every night I give thanks to God for at least 3 things. No matter how horrible the day's been, I don't go to bed without having found 3 things to be grateful for!! Great video, I'd never thought so deeply about those words in the Mass (I'm from Spain, so I'm in the "justo y necesario" squad 😎)

[@comiskey44]

I am grateful to have read your post. I will try to make that a habit...to find 3 things to be grateful for before going to bed.

[@paolapetriortiz183]

@@comiskey44 aw and I'm grateful for having inspired you!

[@marystachowiak7272]

I've been Praying God makes it as cold, as my son and I have been treated. And His letting those who don't Believe in God's Power, feel Him. Know our Prayers are heard and sometimes answered by I AM, who IS. If my Prayer is now Granted? I Pray nobody comes to harm... Nov. 21, my 2nd day of my Praying for this year's Thanksgiving freeze... In God we Trust. Amen.

[@sharonholmes6083]

Even when I find a penny on street, I say, "Thank you, Jesus!" I have made it a habit to thank God for everything at the end of my night prayers.

[@aintnuttinbutathanghomeych8343]

I think it was St Theresa of Avila who was amazed at God's goodness and asked Jesus how can I thank you. His response was attend one mass. Your explanation of thanksgiving in the mass highlight a part I routinely say and don't give much thought too. Thanks for the reminder to be grateful for the small things.

[@NEOSOLAIRIS]

PLZ never stop making videos. you've helped me a ton as my journey begins. discerning is tough. most of all its patience....

[@miguelperea5378]

NEOSOLAIRIS same!!

[@CatholicTruthOfficial]

Yes it is. A lot of patience. Don't be overly anxious about it though, as that will only cloud your judgment and discernment process. ;)

[@dani_ab2723]

Thank you for this message! Gratitude is the greatest of virtues. Thankful for the Lord Jesus in my life. Yes with eyes to see this I am also thankful for your videos and what you do in evangelism to us watching. I learn so much! God Bless you FR.Mike and Ascension team!

[@eliaslayja9688]

Saludos padre. Claro que es justo y necesario dar gracias a nuestro dios 😁☺ especialmente por el milagro de la vida y las amistades.

[@antares85PL]

Father, thank you:)

[@Maria4Bernadette]

One of the best videos. Thank you.

[@cyannapereira9609]

Thank you for this beautiful Message

[@ladyhawke858]

Happy Thanksgiving to all you wonderful people. Thank you Fa. Mike for the gifts you share with all of us! A grateful heart is one of the best expressions of love that you can give God. It's like a little gift you give back to Him for countless gifts that He showers upon you. My heart swells with love and gratefulness and a day does not go by without giving thanks to Him. If you watch the trees you can see them giving thanks in their way. All of creation does in its kind. Always and everywhere.

[@brianotoole8666]

I guess you've just got all the answers, Father...

[@Jeni10]

Some time ago, I was sitting with my Mum in our family room when suddenly the power went off. No moonlight outside, no preparations with candles etc, just pitch blackness. So what did we do? We sat there in the dark and played "I Spy", from memory. Ninety minutes later, the power came back on and we both said, "Yay! Thank You Lord!" 😍🙏🏼❤️

[@pishquet]

Food for thought . Never looked at it this way .. Thank you Padre 🙏

[@matheusbira94]

É justo e necessário darmos graças em todo o lugar. Greetings from Brazil, Father! Thanks for your blessed words

[@michaelmisquez5794]

I was very good to hear this. Thank You Father Mike! Thank You God! :-)

[@erinbecker4057]

I think the message of thanksgiving often gets miconstrued. The first thanksgiving wasnt just about being thankful for food, but grateful for the people they got it from. The native americans and the pilgrims were two groups of people seperated by thousands of miles, vastly different cultures and religions, and many language barriers. Despite all these differences, in the spirit of human solidarity, one group helped the other who were in dire need. Its a lesson sorely absent from our commercial media and our american culture today. Please, this thanksgiving remember those who are different than you and offer them tidings of peace and thanks. Happy thanksgiving, and happy holidays from your friendly neighborhood athiest😋👍❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@CVRCI]

God Bless you

[@jesseishere9959]

GOD Bless You!

[@nariko47]

¡Es justo y necesario Padre! 🙌🏽

[@AyngeMackay]

Gratitude is the key to happiness! How can you be unhappy if you are truly grateful in your heart?? Happy Thanksgiving Father Mike! Thanks for all your awesome videos that help me so much.

[@stevem2879]

Humility is the key virtue, but thanksgiving springs forth from this.

[@glopez4919]

Gracias Padre, muy justo y necesario. Gracias a Dios por tanto amor y compasion. Gracias a Dios por la vida.🤗🌈

[@PRWWJD]

Thank you & and I thank God for the gift of you for Mike Schmitz and Ascension Presents. God has truly impacted my life thru you. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!! To all my family in Christ!!!

[@CVRCI]

God Bless you!!!

[@PRWWJD]

A G you as well.

[@CVRCI]

@@PRWWJD Amén!!!

[@ruthnoelmarie...9061]

Thank you Dear God for the “Gift Of Life.” ✝️🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@suzannetassi9504]

Happy thanksgiving to you all and thank you lord for this great gift of life Iam so grateful

[@davehv23]

I appreciate the little translations. Blessings from Mexico.

[@palace_pro4923]

JESUS CHRIST BLESS!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

[@catyalanis]

Justo y necesario ❤️ you pronounced it perfectly! Thanks Fr. Mike!!

[@albablanco9145]

Great Spanish Father, thanks for this beautiful message

[@GregoryWJohnson]

Thank you Yeshua!!!

[@mariafaithjoseph8703]

Such a beautiful thought.. yes, its truly right and just, our duty and salvation to thank You Lord! 😁

[@quiltbugj]

Great reminder, Father. Buenos días, Padre.

[@dorisodonnell2948]

Thankful for so many blessings. I have a list a mile long...thanks be to God! Thank you Fr. Mike for helping us with our greatest blessing, our faith. Enjoy your videos tremendously. Your wit, humor & gentleness, even with difficult discussions, puts things in perspective and gives guidance. Happy Thanksgiving Father!

[@michaelverde4844]

Thank you, Lord for my family, friends, faith, and food! Praying for and helping someone who is hurting in any of those gifts today! Love Fr. Mike's message... Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 God bless!

[@melimorf7804]

Happy thanksgiving, I need to ask you something father that is extremely important!

[@MarlinRectory]

Father Mike, your videos always seem to come to me and speak to me when I need them most. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@powerliftingcentaur]

Happy Thanksgiving, Fr. Mike. The rains returned to the Bay Area and much of California today. We are all so grateful, and giving thanks! On a trivial note, love the beard.

[@powerliftingcentaur]

Especially loved what you said at the end of the video.

[@mrsandmom5947]

One of your best vids. We need to hear this. Thanks be to God.

[@deborahtofflemire7727]

Thank you Father

[@shirleymejia7250]

Ahora comprendo ! "Justo y necesario ..." Thanks for all your messages father Mike ! I really like your videos !

[@MaryAris]

Happy Thanksgiving, Father Mike! I always give God thanks for my health, family, and this wonderful opportunity to live in such a beautiful world!

[@mikelandry3375]

Thank you Father Mike. Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@vilmariedavila6558]

Love hearing you in Spanish! Btw..thank you for helping me help my sons understand our faith.