Thanksgiving Day
(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke
17:11-19)
In one episode of “The Simpsons” brash Bart
leads the family in grace before dinner. He speaks up, “Dear God, we paid for all this
stuff ourselves, so thanks for nothing!”
Perhaps some feel a similar unwillingness to thank God today. It is not that they feel that they earned
everything which they have. No, people
have difficulty giving thanks today because it has been a difficult year. Covid-19 confined most everyone to their
homes for a substantial time. Most, as
well, have lost an elderly relative or friend who has succumbed during the pandemic.
There
is also a failure to give thanks in today’s gospel. Nine of the ten men cured
of leprosy do not return to thank Jesus for their cure. Their failure stems from the errant thought that
it is not worth the effort to find Jesus.
After all, they have lived in isolation for so long that they need to
get on with life. The cured leper, on
the other hand, recognizes something more important than enjoying good
health. He sees the moral urgency to
thank his benefactor. Before he goes to
rejoice with family and friends, he gives Jesus the thanks that is due.
The
year has been hard in many respects, but we – like the healed leper – should be
grateful. There have been
blessings. One man says that the time to
himself has enabled him to read thirty books.
A psychologist explains how adolescents have profited by being with
their parents more. We remain indebted
to God for our lives here and now and for the promise of eternal life. We do well to give Him thanks every day but
especially this day designated for thanksgiving.
