Thursday, November 22, 2018 - 4th Thurs. in Nov. - Thanksgiving Day
[Sirach 50:22-24; 1 Cor 3:9c-11,; Luke 17:11-19]
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 he grant you joy of heart and may peace abide among you; may his goodness toward us endured in Israel to deliver us in our days. [Sirach]
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2018 THANKSGIVING DAY, U.S.A. (St. Cecilia)
[Sirach 50:22-24; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Luke 17:11-19]
Around many a dining table today family members will mention something or someone for which or whom they are particularly grateful. Family, friends, good health, employment/career, freedom - these are all popular and appropriate blessings to mention. Perhaps some will remember to be thankful for the gift of faith which leads us to thank God for those popular gifts I just mentioned. The Book of Sirach reminds us of that old hymn that begins, "Praise God from whom all blessings flow!" The gospel passage for today is one I reflected on very recently, the healing of the ten lepers, of whom only one returned to give thanks to Jesus for his healing. We can learn from that Samaritan leper!
Aging brings a particular perspective to thanksgiving because one may sort through so many memories of people and events. I do want to give thanks for you, my Beloved Congregation, who read this WORD TO THE WISE and for your prayers. This small ministry began nearly 15 years ago and will continue as long as I can reach a keyboard and the internet. None of it would be possible without God's presence and the love of friends.
In the midst of difficult times, both political and religious, it is a blessing in itself to be able to be thankful. I join with St. Paul in the second scripture for today from 1 Corinthians: I give thanks to my God always on your account for the grace of God bestowed on you in Christ Jesus. AMEN
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