Thanksgiving Day
(Sirach 50:22-24; I Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19)
It is not hard to give thanks when you enjoy your work and
your family is healthy. With these
blessings we joyfully say, “Thank you, Lord” today. But it is remarkable that many people who bear
considerable burdens likewise are thankful.
They may be confined to a bed with multiple sclerosis or perhaps
responsible for the continuous care of a dying parent. Yet they too happily give thanks today.
Where does such a thankful spirit come from? The easy answer is “God.” Yes, gratitude is a
gift from above. But God most always
works through secondary causes. Living
with thankful people, most likely one’s parents, passes the spirit forward as
if it were a healthy gene. Living with
Christ should produce this effect as well.
The night before he was crucified, he gave thanks to the Father as he
handed the bread and wine to his disciples proclaiming them his Body and
Blood.
Almost everyone will eat turkey today. It is a great feast day in which this whole
magnificent country takes part. Let us take nourishment with the gifts that
Christ offers us as well. Even if our
Communion is spiritual, let us recognize that it is he who enters into us
bringing a gracious, thankful spirit.
