Learning Thanksgiving from 'Yoda the Barbarian'

11/20/2012

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This has shaped my prayer life such that, every time I pray I start by thanking God for the gifts He has given to me.

Now let's face it, sometimes life is difficult, you can feel overwhelmed, like you've had too much piled up on your plate. Sometimes it seems like you have nothing to be thankful for. At times like that, however, if you start prayer with thanksgiving, it can focus you on the fact that when you think you have nothing to be thankful for... you're just plain wrong.

A while ago I checked in with my old Alma mater and found out that Brother Vinnie had passed away in 2007. He was 91. I wasn't surprised , of course, I mean, although he wasn't actually as old as Yoda, he was apparently in his 70's when he taught me and I was in high school.... well..... let's just say it was a while ago. A few years after I graduated, Central Catholic went co-ed, they've expanded and I imagine they are charging a little bit more for tuition these days. I know that there are many beloved teachers there doing a fantastic job, but I just can't help but think it's interesting that the teacher who had an effect on my daily life and spiritual development, turned out to be, Yoda....The Barbarian?

So as we all gather around our tables this Thanksgiving, let's remember to put a bit of that celebratory day into our prayer life every day. As I said, when you think you have absolutely nothing to be thankful for, you're just plain wrong.

And may God bless you, Brother Conan Vincent, in dedicating your life to teaching us, I'm sure I am not the only young man whose life is a little bit better by your example.

� 2012, Distributed by NEWS CONSORTIUM.

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Blog written by Catholic revert about faith, family and being a husband and father.

Keywords: prayer, school, thanksgiving, lepers, yoda, brother, vincent, vinnie,

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1 - 3 of 3 Comments

Dan Ford (CCHS 1998)
6 months ago
Tom, as a fellow Raider, I too experienced the phenom known as Brother Vinnie. If he didnt "float" he certainly had a Higher Power guiding him through the halls of CCHS. P.S. I too gave away my class ring to a young lady, lucky for me I married that gal :-)
Eddie
6 months ago
CCHS class of 1984 and Brother Vinnie was everything you say and more. You brought a smile to my face by reminding me of him. Thanks for that.
Chris Sullivan
6 months ago
Thank you, Tom, for stirring up Br. Vinnie's wit and wisdom. He was all that you described, and more. Those of us who were lucky enough to work with him still tell stories about him daily. Br. Vinnie is most definitely smiling at your spirit, which is his spirit, which is the Holy Spirit.

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