“Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Ephesians 5:20)

St. Paul was persecuted and he encountered numerous difficulties for the sake of evangelization. However, he never gave up, and his heart was always full of gratitude.

He was unhappy with the fact that he once oppressed Christians – but he did not dwell in the past – and with a heart of thanksgiving he gave witness to the Lord.

He believed that God’s grace is the reason behind everything that happens. Hence he boldly asks the faithful to ‘always give thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”.

We must be thankful that the Father has not neglected us, and that he allows us the privilege of sharing in Christ’s suffering. He also allows us to learn from Jesus the spirit of obedience. “Father, take this cup from me, not according to my will, but yours.”

Therefore, we give thanks to the Father, by virtue of our close relationship with Jesus.