Thanksgiving Day
(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19)
Europeans are said to become indignant with Americans for
their politeness. They cannot understand
why their neighbors across the western sea always say, “Thank you.” Even when the person offering them a service
for which she is well paid or which is of no value to them, Americans are
likely to express appreciation. But gratitude
becomes a person even when its expression is not sincere. It is also true that when thanks are given to
God, they can never be over-exaggerated.
All three readings today exhibit a grateful heart. In the first Jesus ben Sira credits God for
assuring the growth of every human. He
recognizes that the magnificence of the mind and body are the handiwork of a benevolent
designer. In the second St. Paul thanks
God for allowing the Corinthians to experience the grace of Jesus Christ. God has blessed them with every kind of
spiritual gift. The gospel shows the
Samaritan going out of his way to thank Jesus.
The man would naturally want to share his joy with his family, but he shows
the due priority. God, the author of
life and of grace and of virtue, is always to be thanked first.
Perhaps the importance of giving thanks has been etched in
American minds because we celebrate Thanksgiving. The celebration started with early American
immigrants giving thanks to God for survival.
It was given national prominence by President Lincoln as an expression
of gratefulness to God for sustenance.
It continued through the years of the prosperity during the twentieth
century. And we do not stop today
because we know that the gift of creation and the grace of salvation are much
more than our doing.
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