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<h3>Thanksgiving</h3>
Nov
19
Written by:
Sunday, November 19, 2006
33rd Sunday Ordinary Time
November 19, 2006
Thankfully, there really is no way to commercialize the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving remains a day of family, friends, food and especially of giving thanks to God. When I was growing up our family sometimes celebrated Thanksgiving with some Presbyterian relatives of mine who led us almost fifteen minutes of prayer before we were allowed to eat. At least, it certainly seemed like fifteen minutes! Everyone at the table had to offer thanks to God for something in their lives or they couldn't eat. I remember being particularly thankful when the last prayer was said!
What this experience taught me, however, was the great value we placed on simply giving thanks to God. In our own lives, for example, the experience of being sick can make us thankful for the health we have or have had in the past. Seeing a homeless person can make us appreciate our own circumstances and maybe help others in need.
Thankfulness must be cultivated. It generally doesn't come naturally to us, any more than thank-you notes come naturally to small children. We Christians tend to turn instinctively to God when we are in need, yet may forget to thank him when our prayers are answered It may be helpful to keep a list of what we have asked God for in prayer, so that we will recognize his answers when they come and give thanks.
True spiritual freedom means being able to be grateful for everything: not just what we like, but everything God permits to happen to us. Thanksgiving in adversity says to God," Even though this is not to my liking, I know that you can and will work it to good. In fact, we ought to thanks him for everything that happens to us, since he ultimately arranges everything for our benefit in the long run. Thanksgiving is an act of trust that frees us to be open to all that the Lord wishes to do in our lives!
Father Gary
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