Thanksgiving Day
We see in today’s readings scriptural expressions of thanks. They are all through the Bible, because God has always been so good to His people. It is surprising that we sometimes forget to give thanks. Everything we have is a gift from God’s generous heart. In the first reading we have a beautiful reminder of how amazingly God formed us in our mother’s womb. Since we have such a giving God, it is only realistic to expect joy of heart and peace to come from our Lord as well. Have you made an opportunity lately to thank God and your mother for the gift of life? If you are a mother, take time now to thank God for this gift.
In the second reading, Paul is thankful to the people he shepherds and loves; he then recalls all they have received from Jesus and the Holy Spirit. As in the first reading, his prayer of thankfulness naturally grows into a different prayer- a promise of God’s faithfulness and presence. When we take time to recall how God has always walked with us, it’s easier to believe in God’s loving promise to us. Gratitude is powerful; without it, our walk of faith is dry and difficult. With Gratitude, faith naturally grows out of all the good things the Lord constantly gives.
We see this in today’s gospel: after praising the cured leper for giving thanks to God, Jesus tells him, “Your faith has saved you.” Gratitude begets faith, and faith in Christ will save us. Whatever hardships we have endured or will endure, let us first remember to be grateful to our loving, generous father; salvation is not far behind.
-Chris Nieport