Be grateful for what you have and do not covet what is not yours.

   We have a hard time being grateful for what we have.  It seems like it all started in the Garden of Eden.  Adam and Eve had everything except the fruit from one tree.  Instead of rebuking the serpent and being grateful for what they had, they coveted the fruit from the forbidden tree.

   We live in a time in which even a poor person in America can live with more conveniences that any king of the past.  Sure, he may not have the power of a king, but he has many more conveniences.  And yet, we still covet that which is not ours.  We want more than kings of the past had and without being kings ourselves.

   Your Father in Heaven has given you everything that you need.  Your very being is dependent upon His gift of life.  Your next breath is not a guarantee.  His love for you is.  We see this manifested with Jesus dying on the Cross.  You and I have much more to be grateful for than nearly any generation.  And if we are ungrateful and desire the forbidden fruit, perhaps we will be given hardships according to our ungratefulness.  Then again, we can repent and be grateful.  It has been done in the past by God’s people, which we count ourselves among.

   Your Heavenly Father knows everything.  He knows what is best for you.  He knows what is best for you to reach the ultimate goal of Heaven.  Might you miss out on some passing joy on earth?  Sure.  But look at the rewards!  Eternal joy with a God that loves you!

   Mary, as our Mother, we rely upon you to nourish us and help us to be grateful for what Our Father has bestowed upon us in His Infinite knowledge and goodness.  Help us to see past the forbidden fruit to see the Father Who only wants the best for us.  Amen.