Let us thank those who help us – and help those who need us
Reflections on the readings for Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2020): SIR 50:22-24; PS 145:2-3,4-5,6-7,8-9,10-11; 1 COR 1:3-9; LK 17:11-19
MISSIO offers “Mission In Scripture” to nurture a missionary heart, providing reflections on the missionary themes in the readings of Sundays, Feast Days and Holy Days
We must recognize our dependence on Almighty God, as well as acknowledging how much we owe to each other.
Today we celebrate our much-loved American holiday, Thanksgiving Day. Yet, people have offered thanks to Almighty God on specially chosen days since the ancient Israelites began to observe the Feast of Tabernacles, or Sukkot. It was a harvest festival and an occasion to express gratitude for the care that God showed them after they escaped the slavery of Egypt. Our country’s tradition recalls the Pilgrims who gathered with the native Wampanoag people in 1621 to feast and show appreciate for their harvest and survival after a trying start to the Plymouth Colony. Now we carry on this holiday knowing that God offers us His generous love in all times – when it easy for us to feel blessed and also when it is hard.
The readings for today’s special liturgy from both the Old and New Testaments encourage us to praise and thank God, not only for all He gives us, but especially for all He is. St. Paul reminds us that our Father sent His Son to save us. And He has given us one another to support each other in living our faith. “I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus, that in Him you were enriched in every way.… God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:4-5, 9). We must recognize our dependence on Almighty God, as well as acknowledging how much we owe to each other. We are more than neighbors, we are children of the same Father and have a responsibility to love, respect, and seek the well being of others, especially those in greatest want. Let us thank those who help us and help those who need us.
Suggested missionary action: Today we offer our thanks to God for His many blessings. We can also resolve to thank Him every day of the year for His mercy and generosity. And let us assist our sisters and brothers in every way we can during a time of trial for so many.