Thanksgiving Day
(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19)
A number of years ago University of Texas quarterback gave
a stellar performance in the Rose Bowl.
He scored a number of touchdowns and was chosen as the game’s most
valuable player. In a post-game interview,
the young player did not brag of his accomplishment. Rather, he gave credit for
his success to others. He praised his
teammates for their cooperation and thanked his family for their role in making
him into the player he was. In displaying
such gratitude Vince Young emulates the Samaritan who returns to Jesus giving thanks.
The gospel passage is unique to Luke. Jesus heals ten lepers and sends them off to
the priest for inspection so that they may once again participate in
society. One of those healed, however, on
noticing that he has indeed been cleansed of the dreaded disease returns to
thank Jesus. When he expresses gratitude
for full health, Jesus bestows on him the richer blessing of salvation.
Today Americans and all living in the United States have
the opportunity to thank God for the blessings bestowed on this great
country. When we do so from the heart –
that is, not just by gathering to eat turkey or by even sitting in prayer
around the table – but by a change of course as dramatic as the Samaritan’s who
returns to Jesus, we also can count on his blessing of salvation.
