Thanksgiving Day
(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19)
Thanksgiving is a uniquely human response to another’s
service. Only humans can perceive a
gratuitous act done on their behalf and acknowledge their indebtedness. This is the essence of thanksgiving: a verbal
recognition that another has graciously and freely rendered one help is some
way. Animals, particularly pets, may express
subservience, but their responses are programmed to obtain favor.
Thanksgiving can be justly expected. One’s service may not only be unrecompensed
but really impossible to reciprocate. It
may not be a matter of scant resources but of the nature of the deed which no return
offering can satisfy. For this reason
Jesus expresses disappointment that nine of the ten cured of leprosy do not
acknowledge God’s goodness.
We also need to give thanks. Of course, our American tradition has singled
out today – the fourth Thursday of November – as especially appropriate to
express gratitude to God. We call one
another together not only for a meal but also for a communal prayer. We thank God for all the blessings we have
enjoyed as Americans – a land rich in resources, friendly neighbors, and the
genius to make and follow laws promoting both individual initiative and
assistance to the needy. Also as part of the American tradition we should thank
one another, especially those whose help has been both indispensable and
gratuitous. We remember how the Pilgrims
invited the Native Americans to their feast for helping them save their
lives. Finally, today in the Eucharist
we thank God for His Son Jesus Christ.
He quite saves us from our follies and provides for us an eternal
banquet of Thanksgiving.
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