Word to the Wise
Thursday, November 24, 2016 - 4th Thurs. in Nov. - Thanksgiving Day
[ and ]THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2016. THANKSGIVING DAY - USA (Dominican Martyrs of Vietnam) [Sirach 50:22-24, 1 Corinthians 1:3-9, and Luke 17:11-19. Scriptures may vary around the USA.] "And now, bless the God of all, who has done wondrous things on earth; who fosters people's growth from their mother's womb, and fashions them according to his will! May God grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may his goodness toward us endure in Israel to deliver us in our days." [Sirach] In many places where I have spent Thanksgiving, it is customary for each one gathered at the table to speak of a particular blessing for which they are thankful. In the second scripture today from 1 Corinthians, St. Paul gives thanks for the people in that community. In the gospel scripture, the Samaritan leper comes back to thank Jesus for healing him. Each of us could do that today, even in very dire and painful circumstances. I don't get home to Louisiana for Thanksgiving very often, and so I am going to be with family today. Certainly I am grateful for them. I am also grateful for the Beloved Congregation who read this reflection every day, and for the friends who have encouraged me in this ministry. Those are just samples. It is the attitude of gratitude that helps me to grow older more gracefully. May God grant each of you love and good health and much to be grateful for on this day of Thanksgiving! AMEN