# Thanksgiving for What Did Not Happen
*2019-07-06*

> Bill Young reflects on recent events—a gas explosion in Plantation, Florida, and earthquakes in California—and offers prayers of thanks to Jesus for the injuries avoided, followed by a novena to the Sacred Heart and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy.

## Why We Thank Jesus for What Did Not Occur

I begin by recalling the Gospel story of the ten lepers, only one of whom returned to thank Jesus. Like that one leper, I want to thank our Lord not only for what He has done, but for what He has prevented. Recently a gas explosion destroyed a building in Plantation, Florida. Thankfully there were only minor injuries and no deaths; the daycare next door was closed, and the store had been shuttered for two months. Likewise, California has experienced a series of strong tremors—first a magnitude‑6‑something, then a magnitude‑7‑something. Again, we have been spared serious injury or loss of life. For these mercies we give thanks.

## The Power of Prayer

In these uncertain times we are called to pray—pray the Rosary, pray the Chaplet of Divine Mercy at the 3 o’clock hour, and pray the novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Rosary is the most powerful prayer after the Mass, and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy follows closely. I invite you to join me now in the Chaplet, using a simple novena prayer attributed to Saint Pio of Pietrelcina. The prayer asks for the grace of safety for our nation and the whole world, and it can be repeated daily.

## Our Prayers of Thanksgiving

We begin with the Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory Be, offering thanks for the protection we have received:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come; Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

We repeat this pattern three times, each time invoking the Sacred Heart of Jesus and asking for the grace that the world may be spared further tribulation.

## The Chaplet of Divine Mercy

We continue with the Chaplet of Divine Mercy, invoking the endless compassion of the Father. The repeated refrain—“Divine Mercy, I trust in You”— reminds us that God’s mercy flows from the wound of Jesus’ heart and embraces all creation. The chaplet concludes with the traditional closing prayer: “Eternal God, in whom mercy is endless, increase Your mercy in us, that we may not despair in difficulty but submit ourselves with confidence to Your holy will, which is love and mercy itself. Amen.”

## Closing Thoughts

I encourage everyone, especially our brothers and sisters in California, to keep praying the Rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. God hears our petitions and will protect us. May the Lord’s infinite mercy continue to keep us safe.

God bless you all.

*We give thanks to Jesus not only for His blessings, but especially for the dangers He has averted.*